Israel wakes to revelations of a near-catastrophic security failure involving a flydubai flight approaching Ben Gurion Airport, as investigators detail how Oman, the UAE and Israel each missed warning signs about the radicalised co-pilot. On the political front, calls grow for the Knesset to hold overdue State Comptroller elections, while Gadi Eisenkot has challenged Prime Minister Netanyahu to a televised debate. Abroad, Britain's Green Party conference has been thrown into turmoil after members overwhelmingly backed a motion declaring 'Zionism is racism', prompting the barring of leader Zack Polanski from Israel and the opening of a 'safe room' for Jewish delegates.

Security

A Wall Street Journal investigation has exposed a cascade of failures across three countries that allowed an Omani national, Hamam al-Hammami, to pilot commercial flydubai aircraft despite signs of radicalisation, nearly resulting in a catastrophic incident on approach to Ben Gurion Airport. According to the report, Oman identified signs of extremism but failed to issue a warning, the UAE only conducted a criminal background check, and Israeli authorities remained unaware of the threat despite the sensitive flight path. Al-Hammami, who studied at a UK university, allegedly attacked the flight's captain with the cockpit's crash axe in an attempt to bring the aircraft down. Oversight bodies have reportedly been distancing themselves from responsibility as the scale of the near-miss becomes clear. Separately, Israel Police confirmed the arrest of a tourist who stated an intent to carry out a terror attack at the IDF's Kirya complex, though further details including nationality were withheld. Meanwhile, three years on from their release, former Gaza hostages including Aviva Siegel have spoken of cherishing life and feeling supported by an outpouring of global solidarity.

Politics

The Knesset's legal adviser has urged compliance with a Supreme Court ruling issued three months ago, calling for fresh elections for State Comptroller to be held as soon as possible, ideally before the current Knesset's term ends, following the scandal that saw lawyer Michael Rabilo's appointment annulled. Meanwhile, former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot has challenged Prime Minister Netanyahu to a televised debate, saying it would be the 'right thing for Israeli democracy', and claimed haredi lawmakers have signalled they are ready to abandon their alliance with Netanyahu. In a separate interview, activist Moshe Feiglin called for the annexation of Gaza during the next government's term, stating he wants to see the territory 'empty' and expressing no concern about Palestinians 'hiding behind their own babies'.

International

Britain's Green Party has been plunged into an antisemitism crisis after members at its Brighton conference voted 1,022 to 813 in favour of a hardline motion declaring 'Zionism is racism'. The party was forced to open a 'safe room' for Jewish members amid concerns for their safety, and deputy leader Mothin Ali publicly endorsed the motion alongside a Friends of Al-Aqsa representative, deepening fears of a major internal split. In response, Israel has barred Green Party leader Zack Polanski from entry, accusing the party of legitimising 'the destruction of the State of Israel' through what officials described as a 'clear antisemitic text'. Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said only a negotiated agreement could resolve the ongoing crisis over the Strait of Hormuz, adding that Tehran is still awaiting the United States' final position on its proposal, after President Trump made recent remarks on the matter.

Other Developments

Three nursery assistants from Ra'anana, aged in their 30s and 50s, have been arrested in the Sharon region on suspicion of violently abusing toddlers in their care, including allegedly lifting children forcefully, throwing them to the floor and pulling their ears. The suspects have been brought before a court for remand extension. Separately, former Israel Bar Association chairman Efi Naveh has been awarded roughly 600,000 shekels in damages from journalist Hadas Steif and Galei Tzahal radio over the publication of material obtained by hacking his mobile phone, with the court ruling the act had a 'criminal character' and caused irreversible harm to his autonomy. The country also bid farewell to Yosef Hagoel, the paratrooper whose survival story during the Six Day War inspired the famous song 'Ballad for the Medic', who has died aged 80.

Sources: Ynet, Walla, www.israelhayom.co.il, Jerusalem Post, Times of Israel