Israel Fears Copycat Attacks After Co-Pilot's Hijacking Attempt
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel fears copycat attacks after co-pilot's hijacking attempt.
- Co-pilot believed to have acted alone, not directed by Iran.
- Passengers intervened to prevent the plane from crashing.
- Saudi Arabia is investigating the incident independently.
- U.S. President Trump commented, calling the co-pilot a potential terrorist.
Israeli security officials are concerned about potential "inspiration attacks" following an incident where a Flydubai co-pilot allegedly attempted to hijack a flight bound for Israel. Initial investigations suggest the co-pilot acted alone and was not directed by Iran or any other state-sponsored terror group. The primary motive is believed to have been to crash the plane and kill the Israeli passengers, potentially to destabilize the Abraham Accords. The co-pilot, an Omani national and relatively new employee of Flydubai, reportedly stabbed the captain before passengers intervened.
During the struggle, which lasted between twenty to thirty minutes, passengers managed to overpower the co-pilot and stabilize the aircraft. The plane, which experienced a dive, eventually landed safely in Saudi Arabia. All Israeli passengers disembarked safely, with only one requiring medical attention upon arrival in Israel. One passenger described the event as "super-traumatic" but with a positive outcome.
Saudi authorities are investigating the incident independently and have reportedly been reluctant to cooperate officially with Israel, including the Mossad. However, Israeli intelligence is pursuing its own channels and plans to question the Israeli passengers. The co-pilot's specific motives remain unclear.
U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the incident, suggesting the co-pilot might have been a "terrorist" or "whack job." He praised the injured captain for managing to open the cockpit door and call for help, and relayed a story from Prime Minister Netanyahu about an Israeli passenger who, despite never having flown a plane, helped stabilize the aircraft. Prime Minister Netanyahu has spoken with the UAE's leader about aviation security and is expected to speak with President Trump.
The incident began when a hijacking signal was received around 9:00 AM Israel time. Fighter jets were scrambled as a precaution. The co-pilot's attempt to take control of the aircraft occurred en route to Israel, leading to the diversion to Saudi Arabia.
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