Khaberni - A formal message sent by the head of the Israel Occupation Civil Aviation Authority, Shmuel Zakai, on Sunday revealed serious Israeli concerns about the region entering a "sensitive security period" by the end of the month, specifying particular dates that may witness a potential escalation, in a rare cautionary step for foreign airlines operating flights to "Ben Gurion" airport.
According to the Hebrew news site "N12", the message to the companies included clear indications that the upcoming weekend, specifically January 31 and February 1, 2026, could represent a security turning point and the beginning of a more dangerous and sensitive phase, necessitating the adoption of precautionary measures in advance.
In relation to potential emergency scenarios, the Israeli authorities have devised a plan to deal with the hypothesis of closing the airspace if the situation deteriorates, where the message explicitly stated that "utmost priority" would be given to foreign flights departing from Tel Aviv; this is to facilitate the safe and swift exit of international aircraft and their passengers before any other action.
Zakai emphasized that officials will not hesitate to decide on closing the airspace should it become impossible to ensure a reasonable level of flight safety, citing past similar decisions taken in June 2025, as well as in April and October of 2024.
Despite the warning tone, Zakai clarified that the current assessments issued by the aviation authority, based on instructions from the "Home Front Command", indicate continued stability in the upcoming days before the specified date.
However, he did not fail to assert that air defense systems are still in "full deployment" mode and at the highest state of readiness, with intensive coordination mechanisms at work among the relevant authorities.
The message did not lack a subtle political hint, where the Israeli official alluded to a "chance" - described as not high - for the resumption of negotiations between the United States and Iran, which, if it occurs, could contribute to reducing the level of tension in the region and avoiding the expected escalation.
