Israel Fears Copycat Attacks After Co-Pilot's Hijacking Attempt

Israeli security officials are concerned about potential "inspiration attacks" following an incident where a co-pilot attempted to hijack a Flydubai 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 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 citizen and relatively new Flydubai employee, reportedly stabbed the captain before passengers intervened.

During the struggle, which lasted between 20 to 30 minutes, passengers managed to overpower the co-pilot and stabilize the aircraft. The plane, which experienced a dive, was diverted to Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. All Israeli passengers disembarked, with only one requiring medical attention. The incident has been described as "super-traumatic" by one of the passengers who helped subdue the co-pilot.

Saudi authorities are leading the investigation and have reportedly declined official cooperation with Israel, though the Mossad is pursuing its own inquiries and plans to question the Israeli passengers. The U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the incident, suggesting the co-pilot might have been a "terrorist or a whack job." He also 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 intervened and helped stabilize the plane.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken with the UAE's leader, Mohammed bin Zayed, regarding aviation security between the countries and is expected to speak with President Trump. The incident has raised significant concerns about aviation security and the potential for similar attacks, prompting discussions between Israeli and international leaders.