Israel-UAE Ties Stronger Than Ever Post-Attack, Ambassador Says

Israel's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Yossi Shelley, stated that an attack aboard a Flydubai flight en route to Tel Aviv has not weakened the strategic relationship between Israel and the UAE. Shelley told i24NEWS that the UAE authorities' response to the September 30 incident, where a co-pilot attacked the captain causing the plane to dive, actually demonstrated the strength of ties forged under the Abraham Accords. He described receiving "very warm" reactions from senior UAE officials and the public following the incident, emphasizing a "warm embrace" and expressing confidence that relations between Jerusalem and Abu Dhabi remain deep. Shelley recounted calling a senior UAE business figure at 1 AM about aviation matters and receiving a call back by 1:10 AM as an example of this strong connection.

The investigation into the Flydubai incident is being conducted by relevant authorities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, with the co-pilot, an Omani citizen, transferred to the UAE for further inquiry. Israel is preparing to send an investigative delegation and is keen to determine if the attacker acted independently or was sent by another party, as this has significant implications. Shelley suggested the incident necessitates a broader review of aircrew screening, especially for flights connecting politically sensitive nations, proposing that airlines should question pilots about their origins and backgrounds.

Ambassador Shelley also expressed gratitude to Captain Smith Machchar, the Indian pilot who was injured during the attack. Israeli passengers assisted in subduing the attacker and preventing the crash. Shelley conveyed to the Indian Ambassador to the UAE Israel's desire to formally thank Captain Machchar. He hoped to visit the injured pilot personally but logistical and security arrangements have so far prevented it.

Shelley dismissed the notion that the attack would significantly harm the partnership, stating, "It didn't manage to bring them down. It tried to break them. It tried to break us. We are strong." He pointed to the resumption of Israeli airline operations to the UAE as proof that relations were not damaged, but rather strengthened, signifying a "way of life" and a partnership between equals, not a temporary arrangement. He downplayed reports of a broader crisis regarding the resumption of flights, explaining it as a process of establishing new procedures and protocols following the incident, ensuring they do not fall into a "second trap."