Israeli airline El Al cancels rescue flights for stranded Israelis after Dubai revoked landing permits | LIVE BLOG
The cancelation of flights comes in stark contrast to news from earlier Friday morning in which the Israeli Ministry of Transporation announced that rescue flights will continue, albeit delayed
The Co-pilot who carried out the FlyDubai attack left Saudi Arabia for Abu Dhabi Thursday morning, accompanied by a security team, the airline says. One Israeli source told i24NEWS that the working assumption is that the hijacker was a 'lone wolf,' acting alone rather than on behalf of any other party; however, the investigation is still ongoing. This comes as US President Trump warns that if it comes to pass that Iran was behind the hijacking attempt, the US will “hit them very hard.”
Meanwhile, Balad party chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh has decided to withdraw from the Knesset race on the advice of the Israeli Supreme Court. Abu Shehadeh has decided to accept the Supreme Court's proposal and withdraw from the race for the Knesset, rendering the court ruling unnecessary. He will remain the leader of Balad from outside of the Knesset. This comes after Abu Shehadeh was accused of supporting the “armed struggle against Israel,” including during Oct. 7. READ MORE FROM THURSDAY
Israeli Ministry of Transportation announces rescue flights from Dubai to depart today
The ministry warns that delays should be expected due to "the need to complete preparations and coordination"
The rescue flights follow a last-minute crisis after the UAE reconsidered the approval given to Israeli companies.
Unlike El Al, Arkia will begin to send rescue flights on Saturday.