Former Netanyahu adviser Ruthie Blum told Newsmax that Israel would likely need to respond militarily if investigators find Iran directed the cockpit attack on FlyDubai Flight FZ1073, which made an emergency landing in Tabuk after the copilot allegedly stabbed the captain. Authorities have not confirmed an Iranian link and the UAE aviation authority is still reviewing the circumstances. Blum praised Israel–UAE cooperation under the Abraham Accords and dismissed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's calls for U.S. recognition of ICC warrants.
Ruthie Blum: Israel 'Must Act' Militarily If Iran Is Tied To FlyDubai Cockpit Attack
(Dreamstime)
Ruthie Blum, a former adviser in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, told Newsmax on Friday that Israel would be compelled to respond — including with military force — if investigators determine Iran ordered the cockpit assault on FlyDubai Flight FZ1073. Authorities continue to probe the incident after the aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, when the copilot allegedly stabbed the captain and passengers intervened.
Investigation Status
Investigators have not publicly confirmed any link to Iran. The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority said its teams are reviewing operational and security circumstances and warned against drawing premature conclusions while the inquiry is ongoing. FlyDubai said the captain was medically cleared and returned to the UAE; flights to Tel Aviv remain suspended to allow authorities to complete their work.
"Now, we don't know for sure that Iran is behind this guy. He could be what they call a lone wolf," Blum said.
Blum said that if evidence points to an external actor or state direction of the attack, coordinated action by the United States, Israel and the United Arab Emirates would be appropriate — and that such a finding would require Israel to respond, potentially with military measures.
"But what does matter is if we detect — we, meaning the United States, Israel, the United Arab Emirates — if they detect who really is behind this, then Israel will absolutely have to take action. And I think that means military action. Definitely," Blum said.
Regional Cooperation and Politics
Blum highlighted close Israel–UAE ties under the Abraham Accords, pointing to increased diplomatic, commercial and people-to-people contacts since the normalization agreement in 2020. She said those warm relations help explain the level of cooperation between Israeli and Emirati authorities in the aftermath of the incident.
Turning to domestic U.S. politics, Blum criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for renewing calls that the U.S. should abide by International Criminal Court (ICC) warrants and for public statements labeling Mr. Netanyahu the architect of genocide in Gaza — an allegation Israel rejects. The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November 2024 alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity; the United States and Israel are not ICC members.
"Second, the only genocidal maniacs from October 7 until today were Hamas and the other jihadists and Iran, whose goal is to wipe out the Jews and wipe out the state of Israel," Blum said. She accused Mamdani of echoing false claims about Israel.
What We Know
- FlyDubai Flight FZ1073 made an emergency landing in Tabuk after the copilot allegedly stabbed the captain and passengers intervened.
- Investigations are ongoing; authorities have not confirmed an Iranian role.
- Blum said that proof of external direction — including by Iran — would necessitate an Israeli response, possibly military.
Comments were made during Blum's appearance on Newsmax's "National Report." News organizations and aviation authorities continue to report developments as investigations progress.
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