An alleged hijacking attempt on a Flydubai flight carrying 170 passengers, mostly Israelis, has been seized upon by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to bolster his security credentials. The incident occurred as Netanyahu faces an election on October 27, with his "ABBA" bloc pitted against the "Yashar!" party led by former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot. Netanyahu has long portrayed himself as Israel's protector.
According to the airline, the chief pilot and passengers intervened to prevent a major disaster. The incident has reinforced Netanyahu's narrative on the need for strong security measures. Hours before the hijack attempt, Netanyahu released a video warning of attempts to harm Israelis in the run-up to the general election. He has repeatedly emphasized his commitment to protecting Israelis.
The alleged hijacking has provided Netanyahu with a timely opportunity to shift public focus toward security concerns. Opposition leaders had initially dismissed his earlier warning as a political stunt. However, the Flydubai incident allows Netanyahu to claim his warning was justified. He has used the incident to reinforce his self-portrayal as the "protector of Israel".
Netanyahu has posted video footage on social media showing himself embracing a passenger who helped subdue the threat. The passenger's shirt was reportedly stained with blood. The incident has given Netanyahu a chance to demonstrate his leadership on security issues. His opponents had questioned his handling of the October 7 war.
Netanyahu continues to reject responsibility for the October 7 attack. He has blocked the creation of a judicial commission of inquiry while attempting to set up a more favourable investigative body. Netanyahu has repeatedly blamed security officials for failing to alert him earlier. Reports suggest Israeli agencies and the prime minister received explicit warnings from regional officials and Hamas leadership days before the 2023 assault.
The election is expected to be marked by commemorations of the third anniversary of the October 7 attack. This trauma continues to dominate Israeli political discourse. Analysts note that coalition building will be difficult after the vote. The "Yashar!" party, led by Gadi Eisenkot, poses a significant challenge to Netanyahu's "ABBA" bloc.
The alleged hijacking incident has significant implications for Netanyahu's election campaign. His ability to capitalize on the incident has provided a boost to his security narrative. The election outcome will depend on various factors, including Netanyahu's handling of security issues and the public's perception of his leadership.
Key points
- Netanyahu uses alleged hijacking to reinforce security credentials ahead of October 27 vote
- Incident provides Netanyahu with opportunity to shift public focus toward security concerns
- Election outcome will depend on Netanyahu's handling of security issues and public perception of his leadership
