Israel Probes Possible Nationalist Motive After Israir Plane Hit by Service Vehicle in London

Israeli authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding damage to an Israir plane at London airport last Friday, when a service vehicle collided with the aircraft before takeoff, forcing the flight's cancellation. This incident marks the third time in under a year that a service vehicle from a London airport provider has struck an Israir plane. Due to the pattern of similar events, Israeli aviation officials are considering the possibility that the collisions may be intentional and motivated by nationalist reasons. Israeli officials have contacted aviation authorities in London and England to discuss further steps with local agencies.

The affected flight was scheduled to depart from London to Tel Aviv but was canceled after an inspection revealed damage requiring investigation. The cancellation disrupted passenger schedules; some were accommodated in hotels while others waited for alternative flights the same day. Passengers observing the Sabbath remained in London until Sunday, when they returned to Israel on a different flight. Passengers reported sitting on the plane for about an hour without air conditioning before the aircraft was powered down, followed by another hour of waiting until the cancellation was confirmed.