Israel Pursues Extradition of Hijacker from Saudi Arabia

Israeli authorities are engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure the extradition of an Omani national who attempted to hijack a Flydubai flight, with the suspect currently held in Saudi Arabia. Officials in Jerusalem acknowledge that direct extradition from Saudi Arabia, with which Israel lacks formal diplomatic ties, is unlikely. Consequently, Israel is exploring alternative routes, including the possibility that Saudi Arabia might first extradite the hijacker to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), from where he could then be transferred to Israel. However, even this indirect route is considered to have a low probability of success.

The suspect, who was injured during the incident and is receiving treatment in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, is being investigated by Saudi authorities. Simultaneously, the UAE has launched its own independent investigation into the hijacking attempt, examining whether it constitutes an act of terrorism. Israel anticipates potential involvement in the investigation should the hijacker be transferred to the UAE, leveraging existing security and intelligence cooperation between the two nations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the suspect is under investigation in Saudi Arabia and that Israel is closely monitoring the situation, potentially participating in the inquiry. Meanwhile, Israeli security agencies are preparing for the resumption of air traffic between Israel and Dubai, with Shin Bet representatives expected to visit the UAE for security coordination ahead of the planned restart of flights by Israeli airlines in the coming days.