Israelis Aid UAE Probe into Flydubai Pilot's Terror Plot Targeting Azrieli Towers

An investigation into a severe attempted terror attack on a Flydubai flight is being led by Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, the Attorney General of the United Arab Emirates, according to reports by commentator Smadar Peri. The probe, initially suppressed, is being conducted in complete secrecy with the involvement of international intelligence agencies. A senior Abu Dhabi official confirmed that Mossad agents and Israeli aviation experts have secretly arrived in Abu Dhabi to actively participate in the investigation, alongside senior officials from Saudi, Omani, and at least two U.S. intelligence agencies.

The focus of the investigation is the 29-year-old co-pilot, Al-Hamami, who allegedly planned to crash the plane into a high-rise building in Israel, specifically targeting the Azrieli Towers in Tel Aviv, in an act reminiscent of the September 11th attacks. Despite working for Flydubai for only eight months, Al-Hamami had visited Israel numerous times, including shortly before the plot was foiled. His plan reportedly involved incapacitating the Indian pilot, taking control of the aircraft, and flying it directly into Israel. Professional sources described the prevention of this disaster as a "complete miracle."

The incident has raised serious questions about regional security lapses. Al-Hamami was previously dismissed from Oman Air in Muscat after extremist materials were found in his possession, but Oman reportedly failed to inform Abu Dhabi or other authorities, and he was hired by Flydubai without a thorough background check.

Abu Dhabi officials acknowledge this as a "very serious failure," partly attributed to a global pilot shortage leading to lax screening. The UAE is determined to make an example of Al-Hamami. Despite no passengers being killed, the senior UAE source vowed that upon the investigation's conclusion, Al-Hamami will face the death penalty to send a clear deterrent message to anyone who assisted or funded him. The UAE stated unequivocally that there will be no leniency or pardon.

The dramatic event occurred on a flight from Dubai to Israel when the Omani co-pilot attacked the Indian pilot, Smith Macchar, with an emergency axe in the cockpit and began to dive the plane. The injured pilot managed to open the cockpit door, allowing four Israeli passengers, Yaniv Hayon, Dr. Shota Musaev, Zvika Mans, and Assaf Radwan, to storm in and subdue the attacker. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the investigation reveals the perpetrator underwent "Islamist radicalization" and intended to "smash the plane with its passengers," adding that authorities are investigating if he was sent and by whom, and that whoever sent him will pay a heavy price.