Director of Prime Minister's "Wing Zion" Aircraft Dismissed Amid Dispute Over Operational Authority

Lt. Col. (res.) Eitan Liel, director of the Prime Minister’s "Wing Zion" aircraft, has been unexpectedly dismissed from his post, just days after accompanying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a high-profile trip to Washington.

While speculation has emerged over the reasons behind the dismissal, sources close to the situation insist the decision is unrelated to the Washington visit.

Conflicting Accounts: Clash or Contract Dispute?

Two competing versions have surfaced regarding the sudden shakeup.

According to one, Liel was dismissed following a disagreement with Drorit Steinmetz, the Director General of the Prime Minister’s Office and a close associate of the Prime Minister and his wife. The conflict reportedly revolved around aircraft maintenance expenses, with Liel allegedly advocating for stricter cost controls.

Supporters of Liel rejected the idea of a clash, stating:

“He had no conflict with anyone. He did his job faithfully, fought for safety above all, and never lost sight of the taxpayer.”

Another account suggests a bureaucratic breakdown. The Prime Minister’s Office reportedly sought to extend Liel’s term by only a few months, prompting Liel to demand a formal position. When his request was denied, he refused to remain in the post and was subsequently relieved of his duties.

From Air Force to ‘Wing Zion’: Liel's Background

Liel, a former Israeli Air Force pilot with additional flight experience at KAL and Israir, was appointed director of the Prime Minister's aircraft in 2023 after a competitive tender process. His efforts were instrumental in getting the troubled project airborne after years of setbacks.

Despite the abrupt dismissal, his tenure is widely viewed as highly competent and successful, and the news came as a surprise to many in the Prime Minister’s Office.

PMO Responds: "We Respect His Decision"

The Prime Minister’s Office issued a formal statement, saying:

“The director of the aircraft division was selected as part of a tender process that included a trial period. In accordance with procedures, a meeting was held to coordinate expectations. Following the meeting, the director expressed his desire to conclude his position. We respect his decision and wish him success. The aircraft division continues its regular operations with a professional team, and performance will not be affected.”

Inside “Wing Zion”: Israel’s Answer to Air Force One

“Wing Zion” made its first operational overseas flight in February 2024, with a practice trip to Athens, Greece. The aircraft is now used regularly for the international travel of Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Yitzhak Herzog.

The plane, a 20-year-old Boeing 767, first landed in Israel in 2016 and underwent years of retrofitting, including security upgrades, design modifications, and specialized installations. The aircraft includes:

• A private suite for the Prime Minister, complete with a bedroom, shower, and makeup area

• An operating room for medical emergencies, modeled after the U.S. President’s Air Force One

• A briefing room, secretarial seating, and advanced entertainment and electrical systems

Soaring Costs and Controversy

The aircraft’s cost has drawn public scrutiny. While early estimates put the project at 730 million shekels, the Prime Minister’s Office later clarified that actual expenditures amounted to approximately 400 million shekels, as approved by the cabinet.

A State Comptroller's report in March 2022 revealed that security upgrades were delayed due to the late addition of Shin Bet requirements. Additional costs—totaling 60 million shekels—were linked to personal requests from Netanyahu's office, including:

• A 4.3 million shekel shower

• A 2 million shekel entertainment system

• A 2 million shekel electrical system

What’s Next for Wing Zion?

Despite the departure of its founding director, Wing Zion continues its operations, with the Prime Minister’s Office assuring the public that the aircraft division remains staffed by a “skilled and professional team.”

The replacement for Lt. Col. (res.) Eitan Liel has yet to be announced.