(JNi.media) The Israeli government is still waiting, like the rest of us, for results from the Egyptian investigation of the Russian plane that crashed in the Sinai on its way from Sharm el-Sheikh to St. Petersburg. Although it is not largely believed that this was done deliberately, as ISIS is claiming, Israeli state officials are still waiting to see proof that the Islamic State is not behind the crash.
Amos Gilad, head of the political and security office in the Defense Ministry, told Walla on Sunday: “We trust the Egyptian statements which have shown good judgment and a professional examination. ISIS do have anti-aircraft missiles, but not the type that can hit a plane at a cruising altitude (the Russian plane was at an altitude of 40 thousand feet and shoulder-fired missiles simply do not reach that far up). There will be an in-depth investigation to rule out any possibilities of terror. Right now, they’re leaning towards a technical malfunction.”
Regarding the suspension of Air France and Lufthansa flights that pass over the Sinai, Gilad said: “These private companies have decided to suspend flights until they see the test results. Israeli companies will continue flying to Eilat normally because their airplanes are protected in three envelopes. The Elbit defense system is most impressive technologically, and Israel has adopted it. In addition, the Israeli Intelligence and deterrence systems are operating to prevent this kind of situation. Israel is well aware of the range of threats emanating from ISIS. This is a murderous organization with extremist ideologies that tries to undermine the existing order in the Middle East.”
Meanwhile, Russia’s air safety regulator has ordered Metrojet, the airline whose charter plane crashed in the Sinai, to suspend flights pending the probe, Al Ahram reported. Rostransnadzor, Russia’s transport safety watchdog, on Sunday ordered the carrier to ground its fleet of Airbus A321s following Saturday’s crash.