Israel Praises UAE Cooperation in Flydubai Incident, Suspect Likely Acted Alone

Israel is satisfied with the cooperation received from the United Arab Emirates in the investigation of the attempted attack on a Flydubai plane, according to a report by political correspondent Guy Azriel. An informed source close to the investigation stated that there is full cooperation between the security agencies of both countries, driven by a national interest in joint investigation efforts. An Israeli official confirmed that the main line of inquiry suggests the pilot, identified as a terrorist, acted alone. The investigation into the Flydubai terror flight continues, with no current links identified to any terrorist organization or Iran.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the head of the National Security Council, Shmuel Ben Ezra, to appoint an examiner to conduct a thorough review of all security aspects concerning foreign civilian aviation entering Israel. This directive follows the incident, which has sparked outrage in the opposition regarding perceived security lapses.

Earlier reports indicated that Tamir Uri, from the Ministry of Transport's security department, admitted that the department does not receive pilot names or conduct individual security or intelligence checks. Instead, they rely on the airline's declaration that pilots have passed security screenings, adhering to international regulations. Uri explained that his department works with airlines based on what the law permits, and they are not an intelligence body vetting foreign crew members, depending instead on the airline and the relevant authority in the country of origin. When asked about the number of pilots from hostile countries who have entered Israel, Uri stated he had no answer.