Early Israeli investigations into the attempted hijacking of a FlyDubai flight suggest the incident was likely a lone-wolf attack. Sources familiar with the matter emphasize that the inquiry remains active and all potential avenues are still being explored. The flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was approaching Israel on Wednesday when the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and tried to crash the aircraft. The captain fought off the attacker long enough to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the co-pilot. Two off-duty pilots on board then gained control of the plane and executed an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The co-pilot is currently in the United Arab Emirates undergoing a second round of interrogation after initial questioning by Saudi authorities. Israel has dispatched representatives to the UAE to take part in the investigation. President Trump stated Thursday that the co-pilot might have links to Iran based on current intelligence, though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted that the exact motives remain under review. Netanyahu previously told CBS News that the event resembled a suicide attempt rather than a standard hijacking, later informing Fox News that the suspect had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination and shouted “Kill me, kill me!” after being subdued. Multiple sources identified the co-pilot as Hamam al Hamami, an Omani citizen who previously trained with Oman Air. Surveillance by the Omani government had reportedly flagged him for visiting radical websites, leading to his reassignment to a desk job and subsequent resignation around 2024. Sources indicated that al Hamami posted content online featuring extremist imagery before being hired by FlyDubai without background vetting by Omani authorities. Investigators are continuing to examine his background, citizenship status, and potential associations as the multi-national inquiry proceeds.
Source: cbsnews.com
