Israel Scrambles Jets After Mysterious Signal From Flydubai Jet

The Israeli Air Force was placed on high alert after an unusual signal, code 7500, indicating a potential hijacking, was detected from Flydubai flight FZ 1073 as it approached Ben Gurion Airport on Tuesday morning. The Boeing 737 was minutes from landing when the signal appeared on air traffic control screens, triggering an immediate security lockdown. Two Israeli fighter jets armed with air-to-air missiles were scrambled to intercept the aircraft, which ultimately landed safely in Saudi Arabia.

Military analyst Avi Ashkenazi, writing for Maariv, suggested the incident aligns with the Israeli military's "war by surprise" doctrine, preparing for unexpected strategic shifts. The investigation into the incident has been assigned to the Mossad, with the Shin Bet also involved. Key questions include the perpetrator's motive, whether the aim was to crash the plane or divert it, and if the individual acted alone or was directed by a state or terrorist group.

Ashkenazi criticized Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for publicly labeling the incident a "jihadist terrorist attack" before preliminary findings were available, noting that such statements could have significant diplomatic repercussions. He emphasized the need for caution in dealings with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other nations to reconstruct the event accurately. If a state is found to be behind the attack, Ashkenazi warned, it could necessitate military action from Israel.

Further scrutiny is being directed at Israel's aviation security systems, managed by the Shin Bet and the Ministry of Transport. Questions have arisen regarding the Ministry of Transport's security department and the procedures that allowed the Flydubai flight to receive landing clearance. The article also notes criticism from Transport Minister Miri Regev towards the Shin Bet chief and her call to halt Flydubai flights, which Ashkenazi suggests could harm strategic relations with the UAE and other Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia, amidst ongoing tensions with Iran.

Ashkenazi concluded that premature and ill-considered public statements by ministers could impede efforts to strengthen ties with the UAE and Saudi Arabia. He stressed that while the incident concluded without casualties, a thorough review of aviation security is essential, and any state-sponsored aggression would demand a firm Israeli response, potentially including military action.