Netanyahu said information available to Israeli authorities indicated that the Flydubai co-pilot had undergone what he described as Islamist radical indoctrination. However, the Israeli Prime Minister stressed that it remained too early to reach final conclusions about the attack or determine whether the suspect had connections with Iran, extremist organisations or any other individuals.

The incident occurred aboard the Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Israeli officials said the co-pilot stabbed Machchhar inside the cockpit and attempted to interfere with the aircraft’s controls. The plane entered a dangerous descent before passengers and crew members intervened.Flydubai co-pilot radicalisation claims have emerged as investigators examine the background and motive of the Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Indian Captain Smit Machchhar aboard flight FZ1073.

Netanyahu Reveals How Flydubai Attack Was Stopped

Netanyahu said Captain Smit Machchhar, despite suffering serious injuries, managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and overpower the alleged attacker. Two off-duty pilots aboard the aircraft then took control and made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. According to Israeli officials, the flight was carrying 174 people, with most passengers later continuing their journey to Israel aboard another Flydubai aircraft.

Netanyahu said the suspect appeared suicidal and pointed to what he described as indications of radicalisation in the co-pilot’s background. He nevertheless stopped short of reaching a definitive conclusion about the motive.Investigators are also examining whether the suspect acted alone and whether he had links to outside individuals or organisations. No connection to Iran has been established publicly.