Israel Air Force cancels training amid spate of severe safety incidents

After "near miss," other undisclosed incidents, IAF chief Eshel shuts down training to refresh safety protocol.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
IAF F-16 fighter jet (photo credit: IDF SPOKESMAN'S OFFICE)
IAF F-16 fighter jet
(photo credit: IDF SPOKESMAN'S OFFICE)
The Israel Air Force is taking steps to address safety concerns in the wake of alarming lapses that have taken place recently, it was announced on Thursday.
Israel Air Force chief Maj.-Gen. Amir Eshel decided Wednesday night that the air force would not perform flight training on Thursday, instead focusing on improving flight safety.
The decision came after a number of severe safety incidents that took place in recent days.
In one such instance an air force jet narrowly missed hitting another jet. The offending pilot was sentenced to five days in military jail.
Those on operational activities or on call will continue according to their original schedule.
Eshel's term as IAF chief was extended for a year last week by new IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen Gadi Eisenkot. Eshel began his term as IAF chief in May of 2010.