The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MNE) clarified that no Israeli aircraft passed through the Lajes Base on Terceira Island, but rather US aircraft, authorized to fly over national territory en route to Israel.

The case sparked controversy after a report in the Spanish newspaper El País, published on September 29, which reported the possible passage of Israeli aircraft without the prior knowledge of the Portuguese government.

According to the note sent to the editorial office, the MNE emphasizes that, in an initial investigation, there was no record of authorizations granted to Israeli aircraft or aircraft bound for Israel. However, after further verification, triggered by questions raised by the newspaper Expresso, it was found that three US aircraft had obtained tacit authorization to make a stopover and fly over Portuguese territory.

The Ministry admits that, although there was no violation of the commitment made by the Government, “the communication should have been reported to the Minister’s office before the authorization period expired,” especially since the process had already received a favorable opinion from the National Aeronautical Authority (AAN), which is part of the Ministry of Defense.

The note adds that there was “a procedural failure, contrary to the internal instructions given by the Minister of State and Foreign Affairs,” assuring that responsibilities will be determined and changes will be made to the communication and authorization mechanisms to avoid future procedural failures.

In Correio dos Açores-Natalino Viveiros, director

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