The signs Israel missed: What was revealed in the terrorist pilot's interrogation

An Israel Hayom editorial by Yoav Limor reveals details from the interrogation of co-pilot Hammam al-Hammami, who attempted to crash a Flydubai plane into Israeli territory. It was revealed that he was removed from an Omani airline due to radicalization, but was not detected by Israeli intelligence. Limor accuses the National Security Council, the Ministry of Transport, the Shin Bet, and the Mossad of a severe failure, and describes a blame-shifting culture instead of learning lessons.

Yoav Limor's editorial in Israel Hayom addresses the security failure that nearly led to a serious aviation disaster. The article focuses on the interrogation of co-pilot Hammam al-Hammami, who attempted to crash a Flydubai plane into Israeli territory. The investigation reveals that al-Hammami was removed from an Omani airline due to his radical views, yet still managed to get a job at Flydubai and fly to Israel. Limor points to severe failures in Israeli intelligence, which failed to detect the warning signs, and in the security systems of the Ministry of Transport, Shin Bet, and Mossad. He describes a blame-shifting culture among the various bodies instead of learning lessons, and warns that the miracle that saved the flight—the alertness and resourcefulness of the passengers—is unlikely to repeat. He sharply criticizes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who he says is busy with photo ops and evading responsibility, comparing this conduct to the avoidance of investigating the October 7 disaster.