UAE Responds to Israeli ‘Rescue Flights’ Terminology Post Flydubai Incident

In light of a recent incident involving a flydubai flight heading to Tel Aviv, sources from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have expressed discontent regarding Israeli officials’ references to potential flights as “rescue flights.” According to a report by The Jerusalem Post, this term was deemed inappropriate by Emirati officials, who stressed that the situation in the UAE does not warrant such terminology.

Context of the Incident

Israeli officials described the potential flights from the UAE to Israel as “rescue flights,” indicating a sense of urgency and concern. However, a UAE source emphasized, “In Israel, they are talking about ‘rescue flights’ from the Emirates. ‘Rescue flights’ is a term used for a country where it is dangerous to be. That is simply not the case.”

Agreement on Security Measures

The UAE has reportedly agreed to implement additional security measures following the aforementioned incident. The UAE and flydubai have both committed to enhancing flight procedures to Israel. The source mentioned, “Everything Israel asked for, the UAE said ‘yes.’ Flydubai agreed to fly to Israel under different protocols, similar to those used by Etihad, but the Israelis said ‘No.’”

Official Israeli Response

A senior official from Israel responded to the Emirati criticism, asserting that the return of Israeli nationals from the UAE has never been classified as a “rescue operation.” They clarified, “The use of the term by private companies is not related to the state. Israelis staying in the Emirates are not stranded and do not need rescue.”

Accusations of Political Exploitation

Further discussions highlighted that Israel’s use of the term could be seen as politically motivated. A source close to the UAE government suggested that Israel was “exploiting the attack for political purposes” by delaying the return of flydubai flights, indicating that the situation was being managed more by impending elections than by logical considerations. The source articulated, “They are talking about ‘rescue flights,’ as if there is a war in the country.”

Call for Logical Approach

The UAE source also pointed to an instance suggesting inconsistencies in Israeli policies. “If passengers can be put on an Arkia flight, why not on a flydubai flight?” they queried, advocating for a more rational approach in handling the matter. The source acknowledged, “It is clear that there was a malfunction,” yet felt that Israel may not fully grasp the implications of the incident for the UAE.