Mecca — Israel news coverage in English

Flydubai Pilot With Radical Views Nearly Piloted Flight to Israel

A Flydubai pilot with a history of radicalization and extremist online activity was allowed to pilot a plane bound for Israel due to significant security and background check fail…

Security2d ago

Failures Allowed Alleged Terrorist Pilot to Fly to Israel

Investigations reveal multiple security failures allowed a co-pilot with a history of extremist behavior and warning signs to fly a Flydubai plane to Israel. These failures includ…

Security2d ago·1 outlets

Pilot's Extreme Posts Revealed After Failed Flydubai Attack

A Flydubai co-pilot, Maam Al-Maami, who attempted a terror attack on a flight to Israel, had a history of extremist online posts. He was previously dismissed by Oman Air for his v…

Security3d ago4

Flydubai Co-Pilot Suspected of Terror Attempt Posted Extremist Content

A CNN investigation revealed that Hammam Al-Hamami, the Flydubai co-pilot suspected of an attempted attack, posted extremist content online, including videos of Israeli aircraft a…

Security3d ago6·9 outlets

Flydubai Co-Pilot's Extremist Past Revealed Amid Investigation

An investigation into an attempted attack on a Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv has revealed the co-pilot, Humam Al-Hammami, had previously been suspended for suspected extremism. He a…

Security3d ago

Attempted Attack on Dubai Flight Aimed to Disrupt Israel-UAE Ties

An attempted attack on a Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv, suspected to be Iranian-backed, aimed to kill Israelis and damage Israel-UAE relations. The incident occurred during a week o…

Security3d ago2

FlyDubai Pilot's Troubled Past Revealed Amidst Hijacking Attempt

FlyDubai pilot Hammam al-Hammami, who attempted to hijack a flight to Israel, had previously been suspended from flying duties due to extremist materials found on his devices. Inv…

Security3d ago

Dubai Crown Prince Praises Pilot Who Thwarted Attack on Flight Full of Israelis

Dubai's Crown Prince visited and praised a flydubai pilot who thwarted a terrorist attack on a flight with Israeli passengers. The co-pilot, identified as Hammam al-Hamami, allege…

Security4d ago

Pakistan Foreign Minister: New Nations Interested in Joining Saudi-Turkey Defense Pact

Pakistan's Foreign Minister announced six new countries are interested in joining the Saudi-Turkey defense pact, which has faced criticism for its inaction against Houthi attacks…

Security5d ago

Turkey's FM and Israeli Envoy Clash at UN Peace Council Meeting

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Israeli representative Michael Eisenberg engaged in a verbal dispute at a UN Peace Council meeting in New York. The exchange, which involv…

Security6d ago

Saudi Crown Prince Announces Defense Pact, Warns of Energy Crisis

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced a new defense pact with Turkey and Pakistan called the "Mecca Pact" to promote regional stability. He also warned of an escalating…

World6d ago

Israelis Travel to Saudi Arabia by Bus for Religious Pilgrimage

Israeli Muslims are traveling to Saudi Arabia for religious pilgrimages, primarily using bus routes through Jordan, despite the absence of official diplomatic relations between th…

General9d ago

World's Tallest Towers Dwarf Israel's Skyline

The world's tallest skyscrapers are significantly taller than those in Israel, with Dubai's Burj Khalifa leading at 828 meters. While Israel's tallest building, the Moshe Aviv Tow…

Security12d ago

Rabbi's Plea and Ancient Siege Highlight Sukkot Resilience

A historical account recounts the 1742 siege of Tiberias by Damascus, highlighting Rabbi Chaim Abulafia's efforts to warn the city's ruler, Daher al-Omar, and the community's deci…

Politics12d ago

Iran's President: US Must Choose Between Ending or Continuing War

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the US must choose whether to end or continue the conflict, asserting Iran's readiness for a deal but lack of fear of continued fig…

World12d ago

Iran Warns of Wider Conflict; US-China Trade Truce Sought

Iran warned of wider conflict if attacked by the US and Israel, while the US sought a trade truce with China. International news also included a Palestinian car-ramming attack on…

Politics13d ago·6 outlets

Israel's Defense Minister Slams Turkish President Erdogan as 'Paper Sultan'

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a "paper sultan" in a message written in Turkish. Katz's response came after Erdogan's sp…

Security13d ago

Israel Strikes Hamas Commander, Faces International Scrutiny Amid UN Address

Israel eliminated a Hamas commander involved in hostage-holding, while a military probe found failures in the October 7th defense. Prime Minister Netanyahu is in New York for a UN…

Security14d ago

Saudi Arabia Seeks Israeli Intelligence Aid Amid Houthi Attacks

Saudi Arabia is reportedly seeking Israeli intelligence assistance to counter Houthi attacks, with the US military's CENTCOM acting as a mediator. This cooperation is emerging des…

World15d ago

Author Claims World Media Ignores Anti-Israel Actions Due to Jewish Identity

A commentator argues that the global progressive community's focus on Jewish issues leads to a lack of international media attention and condemnation when actions are taken agains…

Security17d ago

Turkey Considers Military Aid to Saudi Arabia Amid Houthi Attacks

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Turkey is considering military aid for Saudi Arabia due to escalating Houthi attacks. Fidan also criticized Israel and warned agai…

Security17d ago

Trump Returns to White House Amid Mideast Escalation Warnings

President Trump returned to the White House unexpectedly as the U.S. State Department reissued travel warnings for the Middle East due to escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.

Politics17d ago

Netanyahu's Western Wall Prayer Sparks Political Controversy Online

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's attendance at a prayer service at the Western Wall has triggered a backlash on social media, with critics accusing him of political exploitatio…

Security17d ago·2 outlets

Saudi Arabia Faces Mounting Threats as Iran-Backed Houthis Escalate Attacks

Saudi Arabia is facing a severe security crisis due to escalating attacks from Iran-backed Houthis on its cities and critical infrastructure, including oil pipelines and shipping…

Security19d ago

Houthi Leader Denies Mecca Attack, Blames 'Zionist Enemy'

Yemen's Houthi leader, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, denied his forces attacked Mecca, calling it a "great slander" and accusing Israel of being the real threat to Islamic holy sites. He…

Security19d ago·2 outlets

Saudi Arabia Seeks Allies Amidst Escalating Houthi Threats

Saudi Arabia is pursuing diplomatic channels and seeking international aid to counter escalating Houthi attacks and territorial gains in Yemen. The Kingdom faces challenges with a…

Security20d ago

Saudi Arabia Reroutes Oil Shipments Amid Houthi Attacks, Seeks Missile Defense Aid

Saudi Arabia is rerouting oil shipments via Oman due to Houthi control of key waterways and pipeline attacks, while also seeking urgent air defense missile aid from allies as its…

Security20d ago

Saudi Official: Israeli Aid Against Houthis Won't Advance Normalization

A Saudi official stated that Israeli aid against Houthi rebels will not advance normalization with Israel, as Riyadh insists on a resolution to the Palestinian issue first. This c…

Security20d ago

US Imposes Sanctions on Russia, Iran; Tensions Rise in Gulf

The U.S. approved major sanctions against Russia and Iran, raised interest rates, and faced increased tensions in the Persian Gulf following an Iranian attack on a U.S. vessel. Th…

Security20d ago·2 outlets

Analyst: Saudis Seek Israeli Intelligence Amid Houthi Threat

Israeli analyst Amit Segal highlighted Saudi Arabia's shift to seeking Israeli intelligence against the Houthis, despite past criticism of Israel. Reports confirm Israel is provid…

Security20d ago

Yemen's Houthis Gain Strategic Ground, Threatening Saudi Arabia and Red Sea Shipping

Yemen's Houthi rebels have seized strategic territory near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia, including on its vital oil pipeline. This advance thre…

Security20d ago

Yemen's Houthis Strike Saudi Aramco, Other Global Events Unfold

The Houthis claimed responsibility for striking Saudi Aramco facilities and an airbase in retaliation for Saudi-led strikes. Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition accused the Houthis…

Security20d ago·3 outlets

US Officials Meet Houthi Representatives in Oman, Discuss Red Sea Security

U.S. officials met with Houthi representatives in Oman, where the militia pledged not to attack American, Israeli, or commercial ships, excluding Saudi vessels. The meeting occurr…

Security20d ago·4 outlets

Saudi Arabia Expresses Frustration Over US Inaction on Houthi Threats

Saudi Arabia is reportedly frustrated and feels "powerless" due to perceived US inaction against Houthi attacks and regional threats. Sources indicate disappointment with Washingt…

Security20d ago·3 outlets

Houthis Accused of Mecca Attack as Red Sea Control Tightens

The Saudi-led coalition accused Yemen's Houthis of targeting Mecca, which the rebels denied while claiming to shoot down a Saudi jet. The Houthis also seized more Red Sea islands…

Security21d ago

Hamas Calls for Public Funeral for Slain Rafah Brigade Commander

Hamas has invited Gaza residents to the funeral of Na'el Abu Abed, its Rafah brigade commander, who was killed in an Israeli strike. The funeral will take place in Khan Younis.

Security21d ago·7 outlets

Saudi Arabia Faces Unprecedented Houthi Threats, Seeks Israeli Intelligence Aid

Saudi Arabia issued widespread air raid alerts, including for Mecca, after Houthi attacks and advances along the Red Sea. The kingdom is facing threats to its oil exports via the…

Politics21d ago·1 outlets

US Policy in Middle East Must Not Be Subordinate to Israel, Says JD Vance

U.S. Senator JD Vance asserted that American foreign policy in the Middle East should prioritize U.S. interests over those of Israel. Separately, Saudi Arabia intercepted a drone…

Security21d ago

US Warns Citizens Against Travel to Saudi Arabia Amid Houthi Threats

The U.S. has warned its citizens to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to Houthi threats of missile and drone attacks. Meanwhile, Israel is exploring ways to assist Saudi Arabi…

Security21d ago

Israel Seeks to Leverage Saudi-Houthi Tensions for Regional Cooperation

Israel is exploring ways to enhance cooperation with Saudi Arabia amidst the Houthi conflict, while also conducting military operations against Hamas and Hezbollah. The US has iss…

Security21d ago

Israeli Official Sees 'Golden Opportunity' to Engage Saudi Arabia Amid Regional Shifts

An Israeli security official believes recent regional events present Israel with a "golden opportunity" to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia, suggesting Turkey and Pakistan have f…

Security21d ago·3 outlets

Saudi Arabia Vows Firm Response to Houthi Attacks Amid Regional Tensions

Saudi Arabia pledged a strong response to Houthi attacks after 13 civilians were injured. Meanwhile, international tensions rise with developments in Iran, the U.S., China, and Uk…

Security21d ago

US Ambassador: Israel Not a Target, Houthis Are Iran's Proxies

U.S. Ambassador Mike Hackbee stated Israel is not currently a target of Houthi attacks, viewing the Houthis as Iranian proxies. Meanwhile, the conflict between Saudi Arabia and th…

Security21d ago

US Secretary of State Discusses Gulf Tensions with Oman's Foreign Minister

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi about de-escalating regional tensions, particularly concerning the conflict in Yemen and Hou…

Politics22d ago

Ra'am Party's Islamist Roots and Allegiance Questioned

An article critically examines the United Arab List (Ra'am) party, alleging its deep ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas, and questioning the sincerity of its leader Mansour…

Security22d ago

Israel Strikes Hamas, Islamic Jihad Commanders; Iran Nuclear Concerns Rise

Israel's military has eliminated several Hamas and Islamic Jihad commanders in Gaza, with Prime Minister Netanyahu vowing no terrorist will be safe. Concurrently, Israel raised co…

Security22d ago

Saudi Arabia's Military Spending Fails to Deter Houthi Advances, Expert Warns

Expert Dr. Michal Yaari states that Saudi Arabia's massive military investment has not prevented Houthi advances, highlighting the limitations of power and the complex regional dy…

Security22d ago

Houthis Test Saudi Alliances, Create Dilemma for Trump

Houthi rebels have seized control of the Bab al-Mandab strait, significantly increasing their leverage against Saudi Arabia and exacerbating the kingdom's strategic and economic c…