Israel Downplays Iran Link to Flydubai Pilot After Trump Threat

A senior Israeli source stated on Thursday, October 1, that suspicions linking the Flydubai co-pilot to Iran have been dismissed at this stage. This statement followed remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who indicated he had information suggesting such a connection and threatened a strike against Iran if it were confirmed. The co-pilot, suspected of attempting to hijack the plane, and the captain he attacked were transferred from Saudi Arabia to the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, October 1. Israel seeks to send a delegation to the UAE in the coming days, pending coordination. Previously, Israel's request for its representatives to observe the investigation in Saudi Arabia and the UAE was denied, with the Israeli source alleging Saudi Arabia is actively preventing Israeli involvement. Jerusalem now hopes for close cooperation with Abu Dhabi to monitor the investigation's progress. The UAE reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with Israel's premature declaration of a terrorist motive and an intent to destabilize the Abraham Accords before the investigation concluded. According to the Israeli source, Abu Dhabi finds the term "terrorism" concerning, as it might imply a lack of control, and prefers to avoid premature conclusions about the pilot's motives. An Israeli official believes the pilot likely acted alone, with investigations into his social media activity suggesting a nationalist and religious motive rather than suicidal intent. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged in a Fox News interview that the Omani co-pilot exploited a loophole in regulations preventing the hiring of pilots from countries without diplomatic ties for flights to Israel. Netanyahu stated the pilot circumvented these rules and that Israel must now implement pre-flight checks for pilots. He also confirmed that pilots flying passengers from Saudi Arabia to Israel after the incident were screened. Netanyahu affirmed full cooperation with the UAE government, stating both sides aim to prevent future incidents, but warned that attacks on Israel might continue. He cited Israeli intelligence indicating Iran and its allies are preparing attacks against Israel and Israelis during the election period, urging citizens to remain vigilant.

Hours later, Trump was asked about the pilot's alleged connection to Iran, responding, "From what I hear, yes. We are looking into it." When questioned about a potential U.S. response if Iran's responsibility is confirmed, he stated, "They will be hit very hard, don't you worry."