Israel Expects Saudi Arabia to Allow Mossad to Question Pilot

Israeli security officials anticipate that Saudi Arabia will soon permit Mossad agents to question the co-pilot involved in the Flydubai incident. The investigation into the event is being led by the Mossad, with the Shin Bet providing assistance in gathering testimonies and supporting the inquiry. Key questions focus on the co-pilot's motive and whether he acted alone or was directed by others.

Shin Bet investigators are set to debrief passengers upon their arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, aiming to conduct interviews as close to the landing as possible. A range of questions has been prepared in coordination with the Mossad to clarify the circumstances. Investigators are seeking to understand what prompted the co-pilot's actions, exploring possibilities of him being a lone actor, having pre-planned the act, or making the decision during the flight. The possibility of an organization or state backing the co-pilot is also under examination, though currently unclear.

Security sources indicate that all investigative avenues remain open regarding the co-pilot's intentions, including whether he aimed to crash the plane with its 160 Israeli passengers or intended to land in a third country. Israel is insisting on conducting the investigation, asserting its right under aviation conventions. Saudi Arabia is considered the host country for this incident. While the UAE, as the plane's country of registration, and any country whose passengers were aboard have investigative jurisdiction, Israel holds priority due to the majority of passengers being Israeli citizens.