Flydubai attack gives Netanyahu new security message ahead of Israel vote | Israel Election 2026 News | Al Jazeera

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly linked the Flydubai flight FZ1073 hijacking attempt, diverted to Saudi Arabia, to ongoing propaganda vilifying Israel, suggesting the co-pilot underwent Islamist radical indoctrination. He pointed to Iran and its proxies as seeking to escalate attacks on Israelis abroad. The incident, which remains partly unexplained, may bolster Netanyahu's political stance ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections, amid heightened regional tensions. The motives behind the attack and the co-pilot's clearance to fly are still under investigation.