Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Omani co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a FlyDubai passenger plane had undergone what he described as radical Islamist indoctrination.
Netanyahu made the claim as authorities continued investigating the Sept. 30 incident involving FlyDubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to bring the aircraft down.
The plane reportedly plunged more than 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds while flying over Saudi Arabia. The wounded captain was able to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and other crew members to intervene and restrain the attacker.
Two reserve pilots who were travelling on the aircraft then took control and diverted the Boeing 737 Max 8 to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. More than 170 people were aboard the flight, and all passengers were ultimately brought to safety.
Netanyahu said information gathered from the suspect’s personal background indicated that he had been exposed to radical Islamist ideology. He also said the attacker appeared to be suicidal and that the evidence suggested he intended to crash the aircraft.
However, Israeli officials have stressed that the investigation remains ongoing. Israel’s envoy to the United Arab Emirates said it was too early to establish a definitive motive, while initial assessments indicated that the suspect was likely acting alone.
The United Arab Emirates has opened an investigation into the incident, including whether it was connected to terrorist activity, whether there was prior planning and whether anyone else directed or assisted the attack.
Saudi authorities initially handled the investigation and medical treatment of the captain and co-pilot before transferring both men to the United Arab Emirates after they were medically cleared. Israeli security agencies are also examining the incident.
The identity of the co-pilot as an Omani national has raised additional security questions because Oman does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. Netanyahu said the incident exposed a security loophole that Israel would need to address.
The investigation is also examining whether there could have been any connection to Iran. Netanyahu said it was too early to draw conclusions on Iranian involvement, while Israeli officials said no such link had been established at that stage.
Meanwhile, attention has also focused on the passengers and crew members who intervened during the attack. The captain’s decision to unlock the cockpit door despite being wounded allowed passengers to enter, restrain the co-pilot and help restore control of the aircraft.
The incident has intensified security concerns in Israel as authorities continue investigating the attack and reviewing procedures surrounding flights arriving from countries without diplomatic relations with Israel.
