Netanyahu alleges co-pilot was indoctrinated after flight attack

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has alleged that the co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight had undergone Islamist indoctrination. The allegation came after the flight made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, following an attack that left Indian captain Smit Machchhar injured. The aircraft was carrying mostly Israeli passengers from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

The suspect, who has not been publicly identified, was reportedly an Omani national and was arrested after passengers and others restrained him. Authorities have not confirmed the motive or established whether the incident was linked to terrorism. Speaking to Fox News, Netanyahu said investigators would determine within days whether the co-pilot had links to Iran.

He said Israel would follow the investigation and might participate in questioning the suspect. Both Israel and the United Arab Emirates are examining whether the attack represented an attempted hijacking or a terrorist incident. The UAE is investigating because the aircraft is registered there and UAE law applies to crimes committed on board.

The supplied report also refers to claims by a media source citing an unidentified flydubai pilot, who allegedly described the co-pilot as displaying highly religious behaviour. Those claims have not been independently confirmed in the material. Israel’s ambassador to the UAE, Yossi Avraham Shelley, reportedly cautioned against drawing early conclusions.

Netanyahu said he had discussed the matter with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The co-pilot’s identity and condition had not been disclosed. Investigators were expected to examine whether he had accomplices and whether any outside organisation or state was involved.

No evidence confirming an Iranian role was provided.