Israeli Leaders Address Attack on Flydubai Flight
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Thursday that the Omani co-pilot involved in the recent incident on a Flydubai flight is believed to have been influenced by Islamic radicalism. Investigators are currently looking into whether he acted independently or received guidance from others.
During the assault, the co-pilot attacked the Indian captain before the aircraft descended dramatically in a short span. Netanyahu remarked that the first officer’s behavior suggested he was prepared to die during the attack.
The prime minister recounted a distressing remark made by the assailant: “The attacker, he calls out to the aircrew, ‘Kill me, kill me.’ So it’s clear he was suicidal.”
An Israeli official informed a news outlet that the co-pilot’s online activity revealed patterns of jihadist radicalization, including discussions about violence against Jews. The official noted, “This was a person who was willing to commit suicide” and expressed belief that he intended to bring down the plane, with the investigation ongoing.
Passengers who helped restrain the attacker shared similar accounts with Netanyahu. They recounted how they bound him in the cockpit using a headphone cable. One passenger detailed the scene, saying, “He shouted, ‘Kill me, kill me,’ in English.”
The passengers felt uncertain about the situation, unsure if others were involved, and insisted the attacker speak English to prevent miscommunication. “We tried to simply maintain control over the situation, because we couldn’t trust anyone,” another passenger noted.
As investigations developed, focus shifted to the motivations behind the co-pilot’s attack and potential external influences. The UAE authorities indicated they are examining possible links to terrorism or organized plans for the incident.
Saudi investigators, having concluded that the co-pilot attacked the captain, transferred the suspect to the UAE for further questioning. Netanyahu mentioned that Israeli officials would be involved in the questioning to uncover potential motives, accomplices, or connections to Iran.
He stated, “We’ll get to the root of this attacker, whether he had accomplices, whether Iran was behind it,” but cautioned that it was “too early to say” if Iran was connected. Two Israeli security officials indicated there was currently no evidence linking Iran to the incident; they believe the co-pilot likely acted alone for now.
Former President Donald Trump, however, suggested differing insights during a press interaction, noting information he had received pointed toward a possible connection to Iran.
“I would say the answer, based on what I’m hearing, is yes, but we’re working on it right now,” he remarked regarding links between the attacker and Tehran.
When questioned about potential U.S. retaliation if Iran were confirmed responsible, Trump warned that they would face significant consequences, stating, “They’ll be hit very hard.”
Additionally, investigators are exploring how an Omani national was able to serve as a co-pilot on a flight heading to Israel, given the existing Israeli restrictions concerning pilots from nations without diplomatic ties. Netanyahu acknowledged a loophole that allowed this to happen, saying, “There was a loophole here, and we’re taking care of that.”
The attack occurred as Flight FZ1073 was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Despite sustaining serious injuries, the captain managed to unlock the cockpit door, enabling passengers to enter and restrain the assailant.
One passenger briefly took control of the aircraft during the descent, but qualified pilots on board ultimately landed the plane safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. All 174 passengers survived the ordeal, later being transferred to a replacement Flydubai flight to Israel. The captain, recognized for his bravery, is reportedly recovering well in Abu Dhabi.
