Israel’s Shin Bet security agency has reportedly sent interrogators to the United Arab Emirates to assist in questioning Flydubai co-pilot Hamam Al-Hammami, who is accused of attempting a terrorist attack on a flight last week.
According to The Times of Israel, citing two Israeli officials involved in the investigation, Al-Hammami allegedly told UAE investigators that he had considered crashing a flight into Ben Gurion Airport before joining Flydubai.
Allegedly Wanted Revenge for Gaza
Israel’s Channel 12, also citing Israeli officials, reported that Al-Hammami allegedly said he wanted to take revenge for the war in Gaza and intended to die as a martyr.
A source familiar with the UAE investigation reportedly said that Al-Hammami had previously taken a flight to Tel Aviv earlier this year and had considered hijacking and crashing the aircraft, but did not carry out the plan.
Investigators Examining His Background
Channel 12 reported that an Israeli Mossad official told cabinet ministers that Al-Hammami had made several short trips to countries considered hostile to Israel in recent years.
Investigators are also reportedly examining whether he researched airlines operating flights to Tel Aviv before applying for a job with Flydubai.
The UAE’s Prosecutor General has described the incident as a terrorist attack. Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera also reported that Al-Hammami allegedly requested a prayer break shortly before an attack on the captain.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against Al-Hammami have not been independently established in court.
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