Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that the Flydubai co-pilot accused of stabbing Captain Smit Machchhar and attempting to take control of the aircraft had undergone “Islamist radical indoctrination.” Netanyahu made the claim in an interview with Fox News on Thursday.
The incident took place on Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the cockpit altercation. Passengers and crew members intervened, while additional pilots on board ultimately helped land the aircraft safely.
Netanyahu Says Motive Still Under Investigation
Netanyahu said investigators were still working to determine the full circumstances and whether the co-pilot had any accomplices or links to Iran. He said it was too early to reach a final conclusion on those aspects.
The UAE has ordered a formal investigation into the incident, including whether it was connected to terrorist activity, prior planning or direction. Flydubai has also urged against premature speculation while authorities investigate the incident and determine its underlying causes.
Captain Smit Machchhar Praised for Saving Passengers
Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was seriously injured during the cockpit confrontation but managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and help overpower the attacker. The aircraft, carrying 174 people, subsequently landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
Machchhar has received praise from both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Netanyahu for his actions during the emergency.
Important: Netanyahu’s statement about “radical Islamist indoctrination” is an attributed claim, while the motive and circumstances of the incident remain subject to the ongoing investigation.
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