El Al is reported by Reuters to be opposing the takeover of the airline by a 27-year-old Eli Rozenberg under claims that he is a front for his father Kenny Rozenberg, who is not an Israeli citizen.
Through the newly-created holding company Kanfei Nesharim Aviation, Eli Rozenberg acquired a 43% controlling stake in El Al at a share offering at the Tel Aviv stock exchange last week. Rozenberg was the only bidder.
A foreigner is not allowed in law to acquire a controlling stake in the national airline. There are concerns that control of the airline by a US citizen could jeopardise flying rights to certain countries. A $250 million government loan is contingent on the stake sale going ahead.