Breaking

An attempted hijacking of a flydubai aircraft has sparked an ongoing investigation, with the Omani pilot reportedly cooperating with authorities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the incident, stating that the hijacker had undergone radical Islamist indoctrination and displayed suicidal tendencies.

Following the incident, Israel organised repatriation flights to return stranded Israelis from Dubai. The first Arkia repatriation flight successfully landed in Israel after initial rescue flight landing permissions were revoked by UAE authorities.

A UAE source has since criticised Israel’s characterisation of these flights as ‘rescue flights,’ clarifying that the UAE had agreed to additional security measures. According to the source, Israel rejected revised flydubai procedures that the airline had proposed as an alternative.

Tensions remain elevated following the stabilisation of the aircraft, with ongoing diplomatic discussions between Israeli and UAE authorities regarding aviation security protocols and passenger evacuation procedures.

Sources: Jerusalem Post, Times of Israel, Ynet

Update 05:02: Combines reporting from Jerusalem Post and Ynet on hijacking investigation and repatriation operations

Update 07:15: Developing story following attempted aviation incident with international diplomatic dimensions