Brief
Netanyahu says FlyDubai co‑pilot underwent Islamist radical indoctrination
Benjamin Netanyahu described the Omani co‑pilot as having Islamist radical indoctrination and suicidal intent after the aborted hijacking of FlyDubai flight FZ1073.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The co‑pilot of FlyDubai flight FZ1073, which plunged 14,000 ft after stabbing the captain en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was identified by Israel as an Omani national and described by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as having undergone "Islamist radical indoctrination" and being "suicidal," according to an interview with Fox News.
What happened
On Wednesday, the aircraft descended more than 14,000 ft in under 30 seconds while over Saudi airspace. The wounded captain managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to subdue the attacker. A reserve crew on board then diverted the plane to Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. More than 170 people were aboard.
What the reports add
Two Israeli security officials said Israel’s initial assessment was that the co‑pilot acted alone, though the investigation remains open. The United Arab Emirates launched its own probe, seeking to determine whether the incident was linked to terrorist activity, prior planning or direction, as reported by the UAE state news agency. Israel’s envoy to the UAE, Yossi Shelley, told Reuters that it was too early to draw conclusions and no motive had been determined. Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry said the captain and co‑pilot were treated in hospital and later cleared to travel to Abu Dhabi.
What was said
Netanyahu told Fox News, "We know that he underwent Islamist radical indoctrination. That appears to be something we are gathering from his personal information," and added, "It looks very likely that he was going to down the plane." He later qualified his remarks, saying he was not making final conclusions. Netanyahu spokesperson David Mencer told Fox News that Israeli investigators could now join the UAE’s investigation team now the co‑pilot is in the UAE.
How it came about
The incident follows heightened security scrutiny of airline crew after post‑9/11 reforms that require criminal‑history checks and security threat assessments. Earlier Felo coverage linked the attempted hijacking to Netanyahu’s election campaign and noted the rarity of in‑flight attacks, while other outlets highlighted possible foreign involvement and security‑expert analysis of preventive measures.
Key facts
- FlyDubai flight FZ1073 descended 14,000 ft after the co‑pilot stabbed the captain. (independent.co.uk)
- More than 170 people were on board the aircraft. (independent.co.uk)
- The plane landed safely at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia. (independent.co.uk)
- Israel identified the co‑pilot as an Omani national and said he had Islamist radical indoctrination. (independent.co.uk)
- Netanyahu made the statements in an interview with Fox News. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk
- [2] france24.com
