Israel Suspects Terror Motive in Dubai Flight Incident

Israeli officials are increasingly suspecting a terror attack after a flight departing from Dubai was denied entry into Israeli airspace due to fears of a hijacking. Following a security assessment, sources indicated that the incident is likely the work of a terrorist, rather than a mental health issue, and that information is being awaited from Saudi Arabia. Israel considers the event a terror incident, though the motive remains unclear.

While the possibility of a hijacking was ruled out by security forces, the potential for a security incident was not. The situation is believed to hinge on the co-pilot and the ongoing investigation in Saudi Arabia, where the plane was forced to land. Reports suggest the co-pilot intended to crash the plane and attacked the pilot with a sharp object, possibly a knife, before Israeli passengers intervened and subdued him, allowing the pilot to land the aircraft in Saudi Arabia.

A high-level security meeting, including the IDF Chief of Staff, Air Force commander, and heads of intelligence and operations, did not dismiss the possibility of a nationalistic motive. In response, the IDF activated "Global Trade," a protocol developed after the 9/11 attacks, scrambling fighter jets for interception and escort, and preparing special forces for potential hostage rescue.

The incident began when the pilot transmitted a distress code indicating a hijacking, leading to Israel's refusal of entry and the plane's diversion to Saudi Arabia, accompanied by Saudi fighter jets. The two pilots were taken for questioning. Approximately 100 Israeli passengers were instructed to remain on board the plane in Saudi Arabia pending arrangements for their return flight.

Initial assessments suggest a knife-related altercation between the pilots triggered the distress signal. Eyewitnesses described one pilot behaving erratically and threatening suicide, with an Israeli passenger entering the cockpit to help neutralize the co-pilot. One passenger recounted the plane performing steep maneuvers, causing panic, and stated that Israeli passengers helped restrain the perpetrator after the co-pilot stabbed the pilot, who was of Indian descent. The aircraft reportedly lost altitude rapidly, leading passengers to believe they were about to crash and that it was a terrorist attack.