Israel Prepared to Shoot Down Flydubai Jet to Prevent 'Israeli 9/11', Sources Say
The government was ready to down the plane carrying over 150 citizens due to an alleged hijacking attempt.
Israel was prepared to shoot down a Flydubai flight en route to Tel Aviv last week, despite over 150 Israeli citizens being on board, according to sources speaking to CBS News. The alleged hijacking attempt occurred when the flight's co-pilot reportedly attacked the captain with an emergency axe and attempted to crash the plane.
US and Israeli intelligence agencies believe the co-pilot intended to crash the aircraft into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport or a city high-rise. In response to this perceived threat, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government was prepared to take action to prevent what sources described as an 'Israeli 9/11.'
As part of established protocol for such threats, the Israeli Air Force attempted to contact the Flydubai cockpit without success. A command center was assembled, and fighter jets were scrambled. Israel's airspace was temporarily closed as the jets were dispatched to investigate the aircraft, which was approximately 400 miles from the Israeli border. The jets were recalled after the plane diverted towards Saudi Arabia.
Had the flight, identified as flight 1073, continued on its original trajectory, Israeli jets would have proceeded into Jordanian airspace to assess the situation in the cockpit and cabin. The decision to engage would have involved consultation with the defense minister and Prime Minister Netanyahu, particularly if signs of panic onboard were detected. Protocol dictates that rogue flights approaching Israel are to be intercepted, with the prime minister holding the ultimate authority for such a decision.
The alleged hijacking ended when the captain, Smit Machchhar, fought back against the co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, for an extended period. This struggle allowed him to unlock the cockpit door, after which passengers and crew members reportedly overpowered the assailant. The aircraft subsequently made a safe emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Sources indicated that shooting down the plane was considered preferable to the potential loss of hundreds of lives in an attack on a high-value target within Israel. The co-pilot, identified as an Omani national, is believed to be a 'lone wolf' extremist and was accused by Netanyahu of 'Islamist radical indoctrination.' Israel has dispatched representatives to the United Arab Emirates to aid in the ongoing investigation.
Captain Machchhar recounted that the co-pilot had asked him to pray midway through the flight, which he initially considered a normal request. However, he was then struck forcefully from behind. Realizing the attack was not a result of aircraft damage, he endured repeated blows while the plane began a steep descent. He described a struggle for the cockpit door, which he managed to open with his remaining strength, allowing others to intervene.
Reports suggest al-Hammami had previously posted violent sentiments online, including advocating for violence against women. While studying aviation at Buckinghamshire New University, he allegedly made radical statements. He had also been removed from flying duties by Oman Air due to concerns about potential radical group influence during a prior period in Syria. The extent of his vetting by Flydubai prior to his hiring remains unclear.