Netanyahu: Iran Link to Dubai Flight Incident Unclear, No Prior Warning
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel had no prior intelligence on the Flydubai flight hijacking attempt.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu is investigating a potential Iranian link to the incident.
- The pilot and an Israeli passenger were praised for their bravery.
- The incident is being investigated in Saudi Arabia with UAE and US cooperation.
- Israel's Transportation Minister called for a halt to Flydubai flights.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel had no prior intelligence or warning regarding the attempted hijacking of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, describing the incident as a complete surprise. Speaking in interviews with Fox News and CNN, Netanyahu indicated that an Iranian connection to the event is being investigated but emphasized it was too early to confirm.
"It's too early to say," Netanyahu responded when asked about potential Iranian involvement. "We will follow up and may participate in this investigation." He added that Israel is working to uncover the motives of the Omani co-pilot and will know soon if Iran was involved, but stressed that a definitive answer would only come after the investigation concludes.
Netanyahu praised the pilot, identified as Smith Majahar, for his bravery in fighting off the attacker and managing to open the cockpit door despite severe injuries. He also commended Israeli passenger Yaniv Hayoun for his role in subduing the assailant, stating, "If your plane is hijacked next time, make sure there is an Israeli sitting next to you."
Describing the terrifying moments on the flight, which was carrying 174 passengers including 30 children, Netanyahu recounted that passengers believed they were going to die. He compared the pilot's actions to preventing a disaster on the scale of 9/11, noting that "this time the good guys won."
Following the incident, Netanyahu spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. The UAE president agreed to include Israel in the investigation and address flight security. The alleged attacker is currently being investigated in Saudi Arabia, where the plane made an emergency landing. Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev called for a halt to Flydubai flights until the investigation is complete, while the Shin Bet security agency has granted temporary approval for Israeli airlines to operate flights to the UAE using only chartered aircraft.
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