If I’m not mistaken, Arafat was “in town” on that day, dragging along his bureaucratic thugs.
I’ve speculated that CIA, with the knowledge of Billy Jeff, offered weaponry to the PLO. A military training event was being held in the general area of NY, NY.
Somewhere near LI-NY, on a military obervance skiff, certain missiles were being considered for transaction. Our CIA spooks pointed out a floating target for testing; The PLO thug pointed the weapon at flight 800 as it ascended.
Everybody clammed up and a “credible lie” was formulated (AKA: B.L.E.V.E. in center fuel tank).