Israeli investigators say FlyDubai incident likely a lone-wolf attack

Israeli investigators have indicated that the alleged hijacking attempt on a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was likely carried out by a lone individual, according to sources familiar with the probe. The investigation remains ongoing, with officials saying all possible leads are being pursued.

The incident occurred as the aircraft approached Israeli airspace when the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and tried to crash the plane. The captain managed to unlock the cockpit door, after which passengers, FlyDubai staff and two off-duty pilots subdued the attacker and safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

The co-pilot, identified by sources as Hamam al Hamami, is being held in the United Arab Emirates for a second round of questioning after initial interrogation by Saudi authorities. Israeli representatives have also been dispatched to the UAE to take part in the investigation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CBS News that the motive remains unclear, describing the event as more akin to a suicide attempt than a coordinated hijacking. He later said, on Fox News, that the co-pilot appeared to have undergone Islamist radical indoctrination and shouted “Kill me, kill me!” after being restrained.

U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the attacker might have ties to Iran, stating, “We’re working on it right now. They’re being very open with us. I would say the answer, based on what I’m hearing, is yes.”

Background information provided by sources indicates al Hamami, an Omani citizen who previously worked for Oman Air, had been placed on desk duty after surveillance detected visits to radical websites. He later resigned and was hired by FlyDubai without vetting from Omani authorities. He has reportedly posted videos featuring Israeli airline aircraft alongside images of al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri.