Israeli Envoy To UAE Describes Flydubai Incident As ‘Act Of Terror’
Israeli envoy discusses the incident and ongoing investigation into its circumstances.
Israeli Ambassador to the UAE Yossi Abraham Shelley has described the alleged attempt to crash a Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight as a planned “act of terror”, saying investigators are examining whether the incident was carried out independently or involved a wider group. Speaking to NDTV, Shelley said the incident had caused fear and trauma among passengers and raised concerns about aviation security.
The incident involved flydubai flight FZ 1073, whose co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami allegedly attempted to take control of the aircraft with the intention of crashing it. During questioning, Hammami reportedly said he wanted to crash the plane into a building or another aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport. The investigation is continuing to establish the circumstances behind the alleged attempt and whether anyone else was involved.
Shelley said authorities would determine whether Hammami acted alone or was connected to an organised group. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also warned that any party found to be behind the incident would face a severe response. Netanyahu said the co-pilot had undergone Islamist radicalisation and that investigators were examining whether he had been sent by another party, without identifying any country as responsible.
Also Read: UAE Adviser Calls Flydubai Attack Terrorism, Praises Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar’s Courage
The Israeli envoy also raised concerns about Iran’s regional activities and alleged support for groups including Hezbollah and Hamas. He linked the broader security concerns to the continuing tensions surrounding Israel, while acknowledging that there was no established evidence publicly tying Iran to the flydubai incident. Shelley also suggested that opponents of Israel’s growing relations with Arab countries could view the Abraham Accords as a target, while stressing that the agreements between Israel and the UAE remain strong.
The incident was also linked to the actions of Indian captain Smit Machchhar, who was attacked with a crash axe after intervening in the cockpit. Machchhar alerted the crew, while passengers and two off-duty pilots helped regain control of the aircraft and prevent the alleged attempt from succeeding. Shelley later met Machchhar, who is recovering from the incident, and praised his actions. Netanyahu also spoke to the Indian pilot and invited him to Israel’s Independence Day ceremony, where he was asked to light a ceremonial torch.
Also Read: El Al Cancels Dubai Flights For Israelis After Flydubai Incident Raises Fresh Security Concerns
