DOMINANT ANGLE
Jerusalem has uncovered a plot to attack Ben-Gurion, with the Israeli press highlighting the targeted airport and the confessions of the co-pilot as reported by the Emirati prosecutor's office.
Dominant angle identified — does not reflect unanimity of this country’s media
KEY POINTS
- 01
UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi claims that co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, 29, targeted a passenger terminal at Ben-Gourion to maximize casualties.
- 02
According to Haaretz, the plane carrying 174 people dropped 16,000 feet in 30 seconds before landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- 03
The suspect says he acted alone, but authorities are still investigating whether he received assistance; his radicalization allegedly began in 2017 in Australia.
ANALYSIS
Jérusalem, October 10, 2026. Israel's government notes that the Attorney General of the United Arab Emirates, Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, stated on Friday, October 9, that the Omani co-pilot of Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Hamam al-Hammami, 29, was preparing a suicide attack targeting a passenger terminal at Ben-Gurion Airport, with the intention of causing "the maximum number of victims possible".
Israel's capital is on high alert as the details of the would-be attack emerge: the suspect allegedly made at least two flights to Tel Aviv to "familiarize himself with the route and the airport". The prosecution claims that the plan was inspired by the September 11, 2001, attacks. The aircraft, which was carrying 174 people, reportedly dropped 16,000 feet in 30 seconds.
Israel's government emphasizes that the suspect's extremist drift began in 2017 during his studies in Australia, followed by four years at Oman Air, a brief stint at Royal Air Maroc in 2025, and his hiring by Flydubai in January. He allegedly confessed that the idea of such an act had motivated his career choice in aviation. The prosecution assures that he met the professional and security requirements of the company, which was unaware of his intentions.
Israel's authorities report that the co-pilot attacked the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, with the emergency axe; injured, the captain managed to open the cockpit door. According to reports, a Flydubai captain who was on board for the return flight entered the security code, and other pilots subdued the suspect before landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The passengers later returned to Ben-Gurion.
On the question of potential accomplices, Israel's government remains cautious: the suspect claims to have acted alone, but, according to reports, the authorities are still investigating whether he received any help. Israel's officials are also closely following the Emirati investigation, with two Israeli officials reportedly briefed on the case, indicating behind-the-scenes cooperation between Abu Dhabi and Jerusalem.
