Flydubai Hijacking Attempt Strengthens Israel-Saudi Ties Amid Security Cooperation
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Saudi Arabia aided Israeli passengers after a Flydubai hijacking attempt.
- Mossad and Saudi counterparts collaborated to resolve the crisis.
- Riyadh refused an Israeli military evacuation flight.
- The incident is seen as strengthening Israel-Saudi security ties.
- Saudi Arabia continues to benefit from Israeli intelligence sharing.
An attempted hijacking of a Flydubai flight carrying Israeli passengers on September 30th has underscored the complex and evolving relationship between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The co-pilot, an Omani national, reportedly attempted to seize control of the aircraft after it crossed Jordan's border and approached Israel, not with the intent of a crash. During the crisis, Israel's Mossad maintained continuous contact with Saudi counterparts, who played a crucial role in resolving the situation. Saudi Arabia facilitated the plane's landing at Tabuk airport and provided the Israeli passengers with food and medical assistance, receiving praise from many for their warm reception.
However, Saudi Arabia refused permission for an Israeli Air Force C-130 Hercules to evacuate the passengers, viewing such a move as too overt a sign of normalization. Behind-the-scenes negotiations by Mossad nearly secured permission for an unmarked Israeli aircraft, but this became unnecessary when passengers agreed to re-board the Flydubai flight after the crew was vetted. A senior Israeli official noted that the refusal to allow the Israeli plane, which would have been photographed, demonstrated Riyadh's continued reluctance for direct Israeli presence or contact. The official characterized the relationship as one where Saudi Arabia benefits from Israeli security intelligence without offering reciprocal public engagement, suggesting Israel could leverage this situation.
Despite the refusal to land the Israeli evacuation plane, the incident is seen by an Israeli source as having ultimately strengthened bilateral ties. This is due to the unprecedented temporary presence of dozens of Israelis in a Saudi airport. For three years, Saudi Arabia has permitted Flydubai flights to and from Israel to fly over its territory. The future of Saudi-Israeli relations is also linked to the conflict with Iran, with Riyadh recently seeking intelligence from Jerusalem via CENTCOM regarding Houthi rebels in Yemen, despite recent Saudi defense pacts with Turkey and Pakistan.
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