EgyptAir Pilot Posts Threatening Video Targeting El Al

The video, posted on social media by pilot Osama Mansour, shows an El Al passenger jet in Italy. It features a 1973 wartime speech by former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat invoking "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, and violence for violence," with Mansour adding, "This is just the beginning." While Walla reported that EgyptAir has not officially confirmed Mansour's employment, the post has raised immediate security concerns in Israel.

This incident follows a severe security breach on September 30 during Flydubai Flight 1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. On that flight, co-pilot Muhammad al-Khamami allegedly attacked the captain with an axe, causing the aircraft to plummet over 5,000 meters before Israeli passengers and crew subdued him. The plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

These events have amplified long-standing warnings from the Shin Bet and a May 2024 State Comptroller report regarding security deficiencies on foreign airlines flying to Israel. In response, Netanyahu has demanded a comprehensive review and tightening of security regulations for all foreign carriers.