Pilot Admits Attempted Plane Sabotage as Revenge for Gaza

Haitham Al-Hamaami, the pilot suspected of attempting to crash a Flydubai plane, confessed during interrogation that he acted "in revenge for Gaza" and "wanted to die a martyr." The Shin Bet is participating in the investigation, which is being conducted by authorities in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. New details from Al-Hamaami's interrogation reveal he linked the attempted sabotage to the war in the Gaza Strip, stating, "I did it as revenge for Gaza, I wanted to die a martyr," according to Channel 12 news. Security officials are investigating whether he acted alone or if an external party was involved. The military censor permitted the publication that the Shin Bet is involved in the probe. UAE authorities questioned the flight attendants, who denied any involvement and described confusion during the incident. While Israel received investigation reports concerning the aircrew, UAE authorities are not allowing Israeli teams direct participation in questioning the crew. A key focus of the investigation is Al-Hamaami's mobile phone, with investigators in Saudi Arabia and the UAE examining its contents for clues about his activities and connections. This analysis aims to shed light on his intentions and the events preceding the incident, and to determine if he acted independently or was in contact with an individual or organization. The possibility of external recruitment or direction is also being explored, based on his travel history. A Mossad representative briefed Israeli ministers on the investigation, noting Al-Hamaami's recent visits to countries hostile to Israel, suggesting a potential link to recruitment or activation by an organization during these trips.