Israel Planned Aircraft Hijacking to Involve US in Iran Conflict, Press TV Claims
Iranian state broadcaster cites an unnamed regional source, while the alleged plan has not been independently verified
ISTANBUL: Iranian state-run broadcaster Press TV has reported an allegation that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was involved in a purported plan to stage an aircraft hijacking and use the incident to encourage the United States to take military action against Iran.
The report attributed the claim to an unnamed regional source described as being familiar with the matter. No independent evidence was presented to substantiate the allegation.
According to the report, the alleged plan involved an Emirati aircraft and was supposedly designed to make the incident appear connected to Iran. Press TV further claimed that discussions about the operation took place during an alleged visit by Netanyahu to the United Arab Emirates.
The report did not provide publicly verifiable evidence for these claims, and there was no immediate confirmation from Israel, the UAE or the United States.
Flydubai Flight Under Investigation
The allegations emerged after a serious incident involving Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.
The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia after an altercation occurred inside the cockpit. Saudi authorities later said a preliminary investigation found that the co-pilot had assaulted the captain, leaving both pilots injured. The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew members were accounted for.
Reports said the aircraft carried 174 passengers and eight crew members. Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other authorities have been investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Flydubai has urged caution while the investigation continues, saying the exact circumstances need to be established before conclusions are reached.
The incident also prompted questions about aviation security, while officials have examined whether the episode involved a wider security or terrorism-related motive. The UAE has launched a formal investigation into the case.
Flights to Israel Suspended
Following the incident, Flydubai temporarily suspended flights to and from Israel while authorities continued their investigation.
The airline said the suspension would allow the relevant authorities to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
Meanwhile, the allegation about an Israeli “false flag” operation remains an unverified claim reported by Press TV and should not be treated as an established fact unless supported by independent evidence or findings from official investigations.
