Sen. Ted Cruz Criticizes U.S. Airlines for Suspended Flights to Israel, Calls for Resumption

Sen. Ted Cruz Criticizes U.S. Airlines for Suspended Flights to Israel, Calls for Resumption

Edited by: TJVNews.com

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has called for the immediate resumption of flights between the United States and Israel, suggesting that the continued suspension by some airlines may be driven by political motives rather than genuine safety concerns. Cruz made these comments during an episode of his “Nothing but the Truth” podcast, where he questioned the rationale behind the halted flights, according to the information provided in a recently published report in The Jewish News Syndicate (JNS).

Cruz acknowledged that suspending flights during the early stages of the conflict between Israel and Hamas could be justified due to uncertainties about safety. However, as JNS reported, he expressed skepticism over the continued halt, arguing that the situation no longer warrants such measures. “It was one thing right at the outset of the war when it was unclear what was going to happen,” Cruz said. “It’s another thing now.”

Pointing to the actions of airlines in other regions, Cruz highlighted that European and Middle Eastern carriers, including those in the United Arab Emirates, have resumed regular flights to Israel. He described this disparity as evidence of a “politically motivated boycott” rather than a legitimate safety concern.

According to the information provided in the JNS report, Cruz, who chairs the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, accused the Biden administration of failing to adequately address the issue. In December, he criticized President Joe Biden and his administration for their handling of the suspended flights, alleging that they may have played a role in influencing the decisions of U.S. airlines.

“The Biden-Harris administration was lax in pursuing why some airlines will not fly to Israel,” Cruz stated, as reported by JNS. He went further, suggesting potential interference by the State Department in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) deliberations. Cruz argued that such interference could have undermined the FAA’s objectivity and contributed to the ongoing suspension.

Cruz’s remarks, as highlighted by JNS, place an emphasis on broader concerns about the politicization of aviation and the implications for U.S.-Israel relations. By citing the example of regional airlines operating without disruption, Cruz questioned the consistency and fairness of decisions made by U.S. carriers. He emphasized the importance of maintaining strong ties with Israel, a key ally, and cautioned against allowing political considerations to damage bilateral relations.

The senator’s comments come amidst growing scrutiny of U.S. airlines’ operational decisions in the context of geopolitical conflicts. Cruz’s criticism of the administration aligns with his broader stance on ensuring that U.S. policies and actions reflect unwavering support for Israel.

Sen. Cruz’s call for the resumption of flights to Israel reflects his belief that continued suspensions may be more about politics than passenger safety. As JNS reported, his allegations against the Biden administration add a layer of urgency to the issue, suggesting that the matter may extend beyond individual airlines to encompass broader governmental influence.

For now, Cruz’s remarks serve as a rallying cry for greater transparency and accountability in decisions affecting U.S.-Israel travel. As regional airlines demonstrate the feasibility of operating flights to Israel, the senator’s demands for U.S. carriers to follow suit are likely to resonate with advocates for stronger U.S.-Israel relations.