Thursday, Oct 1, 2026
1 Netanyahu Says Flydubai Co-Pilot Underwent Islamist Radicalization 🌐 Geopolitics Sep 30, 1:51 AM EDT 1107/167
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said investigators know the Flydubai co-pilot accused of trying to crash a jet bound for Tel Aviv underwent “Islamist radical indoctrination” and would know within days whether he had connections to Iran. Speaking to Fox News on Thursday, Netanyahu said it was still too early to establish an Iranian link. He also said the attacker shouted “Kill me, kill me!” after being subdued.
Israeli officials allege the Omani co-pilot stabbed Indian Captain Smit Machchhar and tried to bring down flight FZ1073 from Dubai on Wednesday. The wounded captain opened the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to overpower the attacker, Netanyahu said. Additional Flydubai pilots aboard the aircraft landed it safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The flight carried 174 passengers, who later reached Israel on a replacement aircraft.
The UAE prosecutor general is investigating whether the attack involved terrorism, prior planning or outside direction. Flydubai suspended flights to and from Israel during the inquiry and said the reasons and motives remained unknown. Saudi authorities arrested the suspect, Netanyahu said, and both pilots were hospitalized after the landing.