Israeli minister calls FlyDubai mid-air incident attempted murder of 180

September 30, 2026 at 03:31 PM2 min

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Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called the FlyDubai flight Dubai–Tel Aviv incident an attempted murder of 180 Israelis and demanded harsh punishment. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled a scheduled visit and convened emergency security consultations after the Boeing 737 diverted to Saudi Arabia. Israeli fighter jets were scrambled as the aircraft transmitted hijack code 7500 before landing safely.

Key Facts

FlyDubai flight Dubai–Tel Aviv transmitted emergency code 7500, indicating hijacking or unlawful interference, while turning over Saudi Arabia on September 30.
Israeli Air Force fighter jets were scrambled toward the Boeing 737 after the code was sent.
The aircraft landed in Saudi Arabia, and FlyDubai told Israeli television that a fight broke out between the pilots on board.
Israeli authorities are investigating a version that one pilot, an Omani citizen, intended to crash the plane, while the other pilot, a UAE citizen, regained control with passengers' help.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled a scheduled visit to southern Israel and convened security consultations with IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and Defense Minister Israel Katz.

Emergency Response

The Boeing 737 sent code 7700 initially, then code 7500, which is used for a possible hijacking, and communication with the crew was lost for several minutes before being restored. Israeli Air Force fighter jets were scrambled toward the aircraft as it turned over Saudi Arabia. The plane landed in Saudi Arabia, and FlyDubai reported to Israeli television that a fight had occurred between the pilots on board. Passengers are expected to be questioned by Shin Bet and police after landing.

Investigation and Versions

Israeli security officials are considering a possible terrorist attack, and Shin Bet is conducting an investigation with no clear indication yet of the nature of the incident. Authorities are checking a version that the second pilot, an Omani citizen, intended to crash the plane, while the other pilot, a UAE citizen, regained control with the help of passengers. Earlier reports suggested the pilots might have Russian and Ukrainian citizenship, but later information indicated Omani and UAE citizenship. One pilot may have died from stab wounds after the attack, according to information that appeared later.

Official Reactions

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich wrote on X that Israel must act on intent, not results, and that anyone who tried to crash the plane and kill 180 Israelis should be punished as if they had committed murder. Smotrich added that both the individual and any state or terrorist organization that sent him must be pursued and destroyed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled a scheduled visit to southern Israel and convened security consultations with IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and Defense Minister Israel Katz.