Netanyahu states Flydubai attacker underwent Islamist radical indoctrination

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that investigations indicate the man who attacked his fellow pilot and attempted to take control of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv had undergone "Islamist radical indoctrination." The incident occurred on Wednesday, causing the plane to drop more than 17,000 feet (5,200 meters) two hours into its journey before passengers and crew managed to overpower the attacker and safely land the aircraft. Netanyahu informed Fox News that it appears likely the attacker, identified as an Omani national, intended to down the plane. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) state news agency reported that investigations have commenced to determine if the incident was connected to any terrorist activities. The Interior Ministry of Saudi Arabia, where the plane made an emergency landing, confirmed that both the pilot and co-pilot were returned to the UAE after being cleared by medical teams. UAE officials claimed jurisdiction over the incident as the aircraft is registered in the UAE. Netanyahu noted that after the attacker was subdued, he was heard calling out to the crew, "kill me, kill me," suggesting suicidal intentions. Passenger Almog Itali described the experience as feeling like a "rollercoaster" during the rapid descent. He mentioned the attacker’s background of radicalization but refrained from drawing firm conclusions about the motive. Both US President Donald Trump and UAE officials have suggested possible Iranian involvement without directly blaming Iran. Trump stated that Iran would face severe consequences if found responsible. Netanyahu explained that pilots from countries without diplomatic relations with Israel typically cannot fly there, indicating a loophole in this case, which is being addressed with cooperation from the Emirati government. Oman has not established formal ties with Israel. In response to questions about Iran's involvement, Netanyahu stated it was too early to determine. Both Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the stabbed pilot, Indian national Capt Smit Machchhar, as a "hero." India's ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, visited Captain Machchar in the hospital, confirming he is recovering well. Preliminary findings from an Israeli investigation suggest the attacker intended to crash the plane, according to an Israeli security source. The investigation, led by Israel's intelligence agency Mossad, involved interviewing passengers upon their arrival in Tel Aviv. Flydubai's flight FZ1073, carrying over 170 people, departed from Dubai International Airport at 03:05 GMT (07:05 local time) and reported the altitude drop two hours later. The plane signaled an emergency code shortly thereafter and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. Flydubai has suspended flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv while conducting its own investigation. Israel's Transportation Ministry stated that this suspension aligns with Netanyahu's directive. Israeli airlines, including El Al, Israir, and Arkia, announced plans to operate rescue flights from Dubai starting Friday to return stranded passengers. The Transportation Ministry also requested Etihad Airlines to increase flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv.