Transport Ministry Security Head Holds Concurrent Airline Job, Report Reveals
Ministry of Transport security head Avri Cohen holds a concurrent paid job as an airline security officer abroad, sparking scrutiny over senior public service employment.
Avri Cohen, head of the security department at the Ministry of Transport, has been holding a concurrent paid position as a reserve security officer for Israeli airlines at foreign airports, Haaretz revealed on Sunday. Journalist Michael Hauser Tov reported that Cohen, whose official responsibilities include overseeing security checks for foreign aircrews arriving in Israel, performs this external aviation security work for extra compensation.
According to the Haaretz investigation, Cohen maintained that he received authorization for the secondary employment from the Ministry of Transport director-general in 2018. However, inquiries indicate that holding external work while occupying a senior department head position is highly unusual given the heavy workload associated with such roles.
The Ministry of Transport responded by stating that upon assuming his position in 2018, Cohen received proper approval for the arrangement from the ministry management at that time.
