Israel’s Airports Authority reported this week that for the past three weeks, there has been interference with Israel’s GPS airspace navigation system, causing delays in takeoffs and landings.

Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) correspondent for transportation Eliav Betito reported on Thursday morning’s “Good Morning Israel” program hosted by Effie Trigger, that senior officials involved in the affair believe that the reason for these disruptions is a hostile attack by Russia. A senior Israeli security official in Europe met with American officials to discuss the issue of the disruptions, as well as the fact that the IDF also operates various technological means.

Israel’s Airports Authority said Thursday that, contrary to public speculation, the unexplained GPS disturbance did not appear to be a direct attack on Israel. It said it was still investigating and trying to solve the problem.

Suspicions in local media fell on Russia, which operates an air base in neighboring Syria and has been accused of manipulating global navigation systems as part of cyber-attacks. Israeli officials declined to comment on the reports.

Aviation authorities said the incursion impacts cockpit operations, specifically flight routes, but not take-offs or landings.

They say they have “changed some of the entry proceedings for landing” at Israel’s Ben-Gurion Airport, without elaborating.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)