Israel Seeks Accountability After UAE Security Lapse Allowed Hijacking Attempt

Following an attempted hijacking of a Flydubai plane bound for Tel Aviv, Israeli security officials are criticizing the Ministry of Transport's security department for allegedly ignoring Shin Bet warnings about security deficiencies in UAE airports. Security sources claim the Shin Bet had highlighted red flags regarding airport security in the United Arab Emirates, but the Ministry of Transport allegedly disregarded these concerns. The Shin Bet is responsible for overseeing security for all Israeli airlines globally, including intelligence monitoring, passenger screening, and crew supervision. According to security officials, this stringent oversight led the Shin Bet's head, David Zini, to halt Israeli flights from the UAE, a move they believe should have alerted the Ministry of Transport to a significant security issue. Furthermore, they allege the ministry allowed pilots from countries without diplomatic ties to Israel to fly Flydubai aircraft.

Security officials stated that the Shin Bet's persistence with the UAE has led to the Emirates acknowledging the security problem at their airports. The UAE has now agreed to the Shin Bet's security demands, paving the way for the resumption of Israeli flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The Shin Bet will reopen its security stations at UAE airports for Israeli flights. While foreign chartered flights operated by Israeli airlines are under Shin Bet supervision, the level of security differs from that on Israeli aircraft. However, the Shin Bet reportedly screens all crew members, including pilots, flight attendants, and ground personnel, before approving departures to Israel.

An internal review is underway within the Ministry of Transport to understand how such a serious incident, violating security protocols, occurred. In parallel with the UAE's investigation, Israel is conducting its own inquiry, led by a Mossad team with assistance from Shin Bet investigators. Israeli investigation teams are expected to be allowed into the UAE soon to participate. Investigators plan to interview the pilot and reconstruct their activities in the 24 hours leading up to the flight, potentially using surveillance footage. UAE investigators are working to build a profile of the pilot, examining family, neighbors, and social media activity, with the current assessment suggesting the perpetrator acted as a lone wolf.