Israeli Security Official Denies Prior Warning on Flydubai Hijacking Attempt

A senior Israeli security official stated on Tuesday that Israeli intelligence agencies received no prior warning or information regarding any intention to hijack or crash the Flydubai passenger plane en route from Dubai to Israel. The official, speaking to Israeli media, noted that as of Tuesday morning, no direct link to Iran had been established, and the Mossad's investigation is in its early stages. These remarks contrast with earlier suggestions from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's circle, which hinted at concerns over plots targeting Israelis abroad, including potential aircraft hijacking, following a security briefing given to opposition leader Yair Lapid. The security official reiterated that the Israeli security apparatus had no intelligence or warnings about such a terrorist plot before the incident occurred.

The official praised Saudi Arabia's handling of the incident, specifically their decision to allow the plane to land and provide assistance to the Israeli passengers. He highlighted that Saudi authorities could have denied landing but instead acted responsibly and treated the passengers well. The Israeli investigation is currently focused on determining if another party was involved with the suspected pilot or if the pilot acted alone, a scenario known as a 'lone wolf' attack.

Describing the event as a "miracle," the security official attributed the successful resolution to heroic actions, vigilance, and quick thinking by passengers and crew. He detailed how a young girl's observation of the cockpit, a pilot's ability to open the cockpit door using a code, regaining control of the aircraft, and the intervention of Israeli passengers who confronted the suspect pilot all contributed to preventing a potential catastrophe. These actions, he added, prevented the pilot from crashing the plane in Saudi territory, averting a scenario where Israelis might have been searched for in the Saudi desert.

The Flydubai flight FZ 1073 was diverted to Saudi Arabia after a code indicating a potential hijacking was activated. A struggle ensued in the cockpit, injuring one pilot, while Israel suspected the other pilot attempted to seize control and crash the plane. Passengers and crew managed to enter the cockpit, subdue the suspect, and the plane landed safely. Saudi authorities detained the suspect and began an investigation into his motives. The Israeli passengers received assistance from Saudi authorities before returning to Israel on a replacement flight. In a related development, four Israeli citizens who participated in subduing the suspect pilot will receive the Israeli President's Medal of Civil Courage.