Israel Demands Extradition of Flydubai Co-Pilot After Alleged Terror Plot

Israel's Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, announced on Thursday his intention to request the Israeli security cabinet pursue the extradition of the Flydubai co-pilot to Israel. The co-pilot is accused of attempting to crash a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv on Wednesday, which was carrying approximately 170 Israelis.

Ben-Gvir stated he would also urge the Ministry of Justice and diplomatic officials to "use all available means" to bring the suspect to Israel for trial. "He who planned to bring down a plane and assassinate 180 Israelis must be handed over to Israel and pay the heaviest price there," Ben-Gvir declared. He added, "Anyone who tries to assassinate or harm Israelis will be pursued by the State of Israel and held accountable, anywhere in the world."

However, direct extradition faces significant hurdles. The co-pilot, an Omani citizen, is currently detained in Saudi Arabia, where preliminary investigations are underway. Neither Saudi Arabia nor Oman has diplomatic relations with Israel.

Following the Saudi investigation, the suspect is expected to be transferred to the United Arab Emirates for a new investigation. While Israel has diplomatic ties with the UAE, the two countries lack a bilateral extradition treaty. Emirati authorities are particularly focused on determining the co-pilot's motives and whether his actions were intentional or linked to terrorism.