The Zioneer reports that Israeli Shin Bet interrogators have flown to the United Arab Emirates to take part in the questioning of Hamam al-Hammami, the Flydubai co-pilot accused of attempting to carry out a terror attack aboard a Tel Aviv-bound flight last week.
Israeli Shin Bet interrogators have flown to the United Arab Emirates to participate in the questioning of Hamam al-Hammami, the Omani co-pilot accused of attempting to crash a Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai flight into Ben Gurion Airport last week. According to a report Monday evening, agents from Israel's domestic security service are now working alongside Emirati authorities in the ongoing investigation into the alleged terror attack.
The development follows a series of earlier reports that have emerged over the past day. As The Zioneer reported at Sun 20:04 Jerusalem, the co-pilot confessed in interrogation that he planned to crash the aircraft directly onto the main terminal at Ben Gurion Airport. He told investigators he delayed attacking the captain until the plane was over Jordan to avoid early interception. At Sun 21:11 Jerusalem, additional details indicated he intended to impact in the final seconds when interception would be impossible. By Mon 20:47 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported that Shin Bet was investigating the suspect after he confessed he acted out of revenge for Gaza. The UAE has previously provided Israel with the full passenger and crew manifest, and the investigation has expanded to Australia, where the suspect studied for two years.
The Zioneer has previously reported that Flydubai hired the co-pilot without a background check despite extremist red flags, and that Israeli security assessments currently view him as a lone actor. The suspect remains in Saudi custody pending transfer to the UAE.
It remains unclear whether al-Hammami acted entirely alone or was directed by an established terror network. The multinational investigation, involving Israeli, Emirati, and reportedly American authorities, continues.
11 developments
- ConfirmedFlydubai co-pilot reportedly targeted Tel Aviv-bound flights months before attack, sought airlines flying to Israel
- DevelopingBen-Gvir: Israel Should Seek Extradition of Flydubai Co-Pilot
- StrongFlydubai passengers tell New York Post: crew asked us to release terrorist co-pilot
- StrongForeign reports claim Iran-Pakistan link in Flydubai hijacking attempt
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