The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has lifted its restriction on flights to Tel Aviv on Wednesday after careful consideration of Israel's security situation.

According to the FAA, the decision to lift the ban was made based on security assessments performed in partnership with other state agencies. The decision took into account Israel's current security situation and its efforts to deal with the dangers to civil aviation.

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It said it will continue to monitor closely the situation in and around Ben Gurion Airport. The agency said it will take additional actions if necessary.

The FAA imposed the ban on Tuesday citing security concerns after a rocket strike had landed near the Ben Gurion International Airport.

The ban was criticized by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-T.X.), claiming that President Barack Obama had used a federal agency to instigate an "economic boycott" on Israel in an attempt to force the country to conform to its foreign policy demands.

A state department spokesperson dismissed Cruz's concerns, stating that the decision was "based solely on the security and safety of American citizens, period."

But Cruz is adamant that the effects of the ban on Israel affect its economy.

Israel's US$11 billion tourism industry has already been dealt a blow caused by the conflict in the region, with group tours experiencing a 30% cancellation rate in recent weeks.

Whether the ban has been lifted or not, the damage may have already been done, said Cruz in a statement.

He also questioned the legitimacy of the ban which was specific to Israel, while U.S. flights are still allowed in Ukraine where a commercial airline was shot down by militants.

Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson said that while Delta would comply with FAA orders, flight decisions especially when it hinged on public safety would still be at their discretion.

"Even if they lift (the ban), we still may not go in depending on what the facts and circumstances are," he said.

TagsFlight restriction, economic boycott, Israel conflict, Hamas conflict, Gaza, Obama, Ben Gurion International Airport, aviation security, FAA, Flight ban, Ted Cruz, Delta Airlines