Iranian state media has reported an allegation that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu planned a “false flag” operation involving an Emirati aircraft to encourage the United States to launch military action against Iran.
Press TV attributed the claim to an unnamed regional source but did not provide independent evidence to support the allegation. There has also been no immediate response from Israel, the United Arab Emirates or the United States.
The report linked the alleged plan to Wednesday’s incident involving a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft, carrying 174 passengers, was diverted to Saudi Arabia after an altercation reportedly occurred inside the cockpit.
According to the Iranian report, the alleged operation was discussed during a purported visit by Netanyahu to the UAE several days before the incident. The source claimed senior Israeli military and intelligence officials were involved in discussions about an incident that could potentially be blamed on Iran.
The report further alleged that the objective was to influence US President Donald Trump into launching another military campaign against Iran. It also linked the claim to Netanyahu’s domestic political considerations, although no evidence was provided for those assertions.
The flight incident itself has been confirmed by Flydubai and Saudi authorities. The airline said an altercation took place in the flight deck and that the crew secured the aircraft before diverting it safely to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi authorities said both pilots were injured and received medical treatment, while all passengers and crew members were safe. An investigation into the incident has been launched.
Flydubai has temporarily suspended flights to and from Israel while authorities investigate what happened and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
