Netanyahu Links Flydubai Attacker to Islamist Radical Indoctrination
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News that the man who stabbed an Israeli pilot aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv had suffered the effects of “Islamist radical indoctrination”.
The incident took place two hours into the 405‑minute journey when the aircraft suddenly plunged more than 17,000ft. Passengers and crew managed to subdue and secure the assailant, allowing the plane to land safely at Tabuk Airport in north‑western Saudi Arabia.
Netanyahu said the attacker was an Omani national who was “very likely” intent on crashing the plane. He added that the man shouted suicidal cries such as “kill me, kill me” when restrained in the cockpit.
UAE officials have opened an inquiry to determine whether the event was linked to any terrorist activity or national security interest, asserting jurisdiction because the aircraft is registered under the UAE flag.
Israeli sources from Mossad have reviewed passenger testimony and preliminary findings suggest the assailant aimed to cause a catastrophic crash. Both the Interior Ministry of Saudi Arabia and Israeli intelligence are coordinating to assess the threat level.
Amid the crisis, Netanyahu noted that pilots from countries lacking formal diplomatic ties with Israel were generally barred from Israeli airspace, highlighting a suspected loophole that allowed the suspect to board the flight.
Diplomatic strains have increased as both United Arab Emirates and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the injured pilot, Indian national Capt Smit Machchhar, as a hero. India’s ambassador to the UAE visited Machchhar in hospital, describing him as recovering well.
The attack prompted Flydubai to suspend all flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv and prompted the Israeli Transportation Ministry to impose a similar halt. Efforts are underway to increase flights from Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv through airlines such as Etihad and El Al.
International flight security concerns have intensified, with accusations floated that Iran may have been involved, though no definitive blame has been placed upon Tehran yet. Trump’s statement that Iran would be “hit very hard” if proven responsible has added a political dimension to the unfolding investigation.
As investigations continue, officials across Israel, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia are urging tighter security measures to prevent similar incidents, ensuring that all passengers and crew can travel safely amid the volatile regional backdrop.
