Flydubai attack gives Netanyahu new security message ahead of Israel vote

Many questions about the apparent attempted hijacking of flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv remain unanswered. What was the motive of the attacker, the flight’s unnamed co-pilot , who stabbed the captain before being overpowered? What were the aims of his attack?

And yet, in contrast to the ambiguity that still exists, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – amidst his appearances greeting returning passengers – has been quick to frame the attack as the almost inevitable outcome of the “propaganda” he says continues to vilify Israel.

list 2 of 4 How will investigation into Flydubai flight attack unfold?

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While conceding it was too early to establish a motive, Netanyahu nevertheless pointed to Iran – which Israel and the United States launched a war against in late February – and its proxies as intent on stepping up attacks on Israelis abroad. He claimed on Thursday that it had been established that the co-pilot had undergone “Islamist radical indoctrination”.

For a politician who has long portrayed himself as the only leader capable of truly defending Israelis in the face of the threats he says they face, the attempted hijacking arguably bolsters Netanyahu’s narrative ahead of a pivotal parliamentary election later this month that will determine whether he remains Israel’s leader.

本文の著作権はAl Jazeeraにあります。