Netanyahu Claims Flydubai Attacker Underwent Radical Indoctrination, May Have Intended to Crash Plane

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that preliminary investigations indicate the individual who attacked a pilot and attempted to take over a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv had undergone "Islamist radical indoctrination." The plane experienced a significant altitude drop of over 17,000 feet approximately two hours into its journey on Wednesday, before passengers and crew subdued the attacker and safely landed the aircraft.

Speaking in an interview, Netanyahu suggested that it was "very likely" the attacker, identified as an Omani national, "was going to down the plane." He added that the attacker was calling out "kill me, kill me" after being subdued, indicating suicidal intentions. This, combined with the discovered radical tendencies, provides a strong indication of the motive, though final conclusions are pending.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) state news agency has reported that investigations are underway in the UAE to determine if the incident was linked to terrorist activity. While the plane made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, where the co-pilot is being questioned, UAE officials assert jurisdiction as the aircraft is registered there and flies under its flag.

An Israeli security source told BBC Arabic that preliminary findings from an Israeli investigation suggest the alleged attacker intended to crash the plane. This investigation, led by Israel's intelligence agency Mossad, included interviews with passengers.

Flydubai's flight FZ1073, carrying over 170 people, departed from Dubai and was en route to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. The dramatic altitude drop was detected by flight tracking services, and the plane subsequently signaled an emergency code. The aircraft entered Jordanian airspace briefly before looping back into Saudi Arabia and landing at Tabuk Airport.

The stabbed pilot, identified as Indian national Capt Smit Machchhar, has been praised as a "hero" by both Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India's ambassador to the UAE visited Machhar in the hospital, reporting that he was in good health and recovering well.

Flydubai has suspended flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv pending its own investigation, a move that aligns with a directive from Netanyahu. Israeli airlines are reportedly planning rescue flights to bring stranded passengers home, and Israel has requested Etihad Airlines to increase flight capacity between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv.