Attacker's identity and motive unknown after flydubai flight to Israel escapes disaster after pilot stabbed

Israeli authorities encountered difficulties in garnering full cooperation from Saudi Arabia during an attempted hijacking of a Flydubai flight on Wednesday. Despite years of purported warm understanding between Israel and Saudi Arabia, the reality proved otherwise at the critical juncture. Although Saudi Arabia made efforts to receive and assist the Israeli passengers, they fell short in terms of comprehensive cooperation.

No Israeli civilian flight was dispatched, and the Israeli military's rescue mission via aircraft did not materialize. Instead, the Mossad had to verify the identities of the new flight crew to reassure the shaken passengers. Additionally, Israel did not receive precise details directly from Saudi Arabia about the initial investigation, with most information coming from the United Arab Emirates, passengers themselves, and the United States.

Israeli defense officials had anticipated a more robust response from Saudi Arabia, considering recent contacts and the broader campaign against Iran and other regional developments. The incident underscores the stark contrast between publicly displayed relations and covert interactions, as well as Saudi Arabia's unease with this discrepancy.

A week prior, Walla reported that Israel had been sharing intelligence on Houthis with Saudi Arabia through US mediation as part of efforts by the Saudi military to deter attacks on their territory, military bases, and oil facilities. Despite the lack of cooperation during the hijacking, Israel's request to become a full partner in the investigation alongside Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates remains viable.

Defense officials acknowledged that the situation is complex due to differing narratives between Saudi Arabia and Israel. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir visited Mossad headquarters earlier in the week as Mossad Director Roman Gofman's guest. The meeting, described as professional and positive by officials, involved the presentation of capabilities and regional assessments.