Weeks after flydubai incident, 'hostile aircraft' alert triggers panic in Israel

The incident comes weeks after an attempted hijacking of a flydubai flight carrying passengers from Dubai to Tel Aviv (representative Image)

An alert over a suspected hostile aircraft intrusion along Israel's border with Lebanon triggered alarm in northern Israel, before the military clarified that it had been caused by a false identification. The alert was sounded over the areas of Zar'it and Shomera. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) issued a statement shortly afterwards, confirming that the warning was the result of a false identification, The Jerusalem Post reported. The incident comes weeks after an attempted hijacking of a flydubai flight carrying passengers from Dubai to Tel Aviv raised questions over aviation security and the screening of foreign airline crew members.

Flydubai incident prompts tighter aviation security checks

The latest alert comes against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny of foreign airline operations following an incident aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073 on September 30. The flight, operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia after Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami attacked Indian captain Smit Machchhar and attempted to seize control of the aircraft. Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door despite being injured, allowing passengers, crew members and two off-duty flydubai pilots travelling on the flight to intervene and overpower the co-pilot. The aircraft landed safely in Tabuk. The UAE later honoured Machchhar and the flight crew with the First Class Order of Zayed II for their actions during the incident. The award was conferred by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and presented by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. In response to the security concerns, Israel introduced tighter screening requirements for airlines operating flights to and from the country. Under the new rules, carriers must submit crew details at least 48 hours before departure, with subsequent updates required no later than two hours before take-off and a final list at take-off. The measures apply to incoming and outgoing flights operated by both Israeli and foreign airlines and are intended to give authorities more time to conduct background checks.

IDF uncovers more than 340 Hezbollah weapons in southern Lebanon

Separately, the IDF said on Thursday that its troops had uncovered more than 340 weapons belonging to Hezbollah during operations in the southern Lebanon Security Zone. Soldiers from the 188th Brigade of the 36th Division found the weapons in the Beaufort Ridge and Litani River areas. T he recovered material included RPG rockets, anti-tank missiles, mortar shells, firearms, explosives and ammunition, according to the military. The troops also discovered a tunnel shaft approximately seven metres deep inside a civilian home. It contained medical and living equipment. The 188th Brigade began its operations in Lebanon after completing 20 months of active duty in the Gaza Strip and undergoing a training period before its redeployment, the IDF said.