Netanyahu: Flydubai Copilot Underwent ‘Radical Indoctrination’
2 weeks ago
JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the copilot accused of attacking the captain of a Flydubai flight bound for Israel had undergone what he described as “Islamist radical indoctrination,” as investigators continue working to determine the motive behind the midair attack.
The incident unfolded Wednesday aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was carrying 174 people from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Authorities say the Omani copilot attacked and stabbed the plane’s captain before the aircraft entered a steep descent over Saudi Arabia. Flight-tracking data showed the Boeing 737 Max 8 plunged more than 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.
Despite being injured, the captain managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and overpower the copilot. A reserve flight crew traveling aboard the aircraft then took control and safely landed the plane in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Netanyahu said Thursday that information gathered about the suspect indicated he had undergone “Islamist radical indoctrination” and suggested the copilot may have intended to crash the aircraft.
However, Netanyahu said investigators have not reached final conclusions about the attack.
Israeli security officials initially believe the copilot likely acted alone, though authorities are investigating whether he had accomplices or connections to any organization or foreign government.
Officials from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, the United States and Oman have been involved in efforts to determine the circumstances and motive behind the incident.
The UAE has also opened an investigation into whether the attack was connected to terrorism. Officials have said multiple possibilities remain under investigation.
The injured captain was reported in stable condition following the emergency landing. No passengers were killed.
Flydubai temporarily suspended its flights to and from Israel following the incident as authorities continued their investigation.
The incident unfolded Wednesday aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was carrying 174 people from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Authorities say the Omani copilot attacked and stabbed the plane’s captain before the aircraft entered a steep descent over Saudi Arabia. Flight-tracking data showed the Boeing 737 Max 8 plunged more than 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.
Despite being injured, the captain managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and overpower the copilot. A reserve flight crew traveling aboard the aircraft then took control and safely landed the plane in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Netanyahu said Thursday that information gathered about the suspect indicated he had undergone “Islamist radical indoctrination” and suggested the copilot may have intended to crash the aircraft.
However, Netanyahu said investigators have not reached final conclusions about the attack.
Israeli security officials initially believe the copilot likely acted alone, though authorities are investigating whether he had accomplices or connections to any organization or foreign government.
Officials from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, the United States and Oman have been involved in efforts to determine the circumstances and motive behind the incident.
The UAE has also opened an investigation into whether the attack was connected to terrorism. Officials have said multiple possibilities remain under investigation.
The injured captain was reported in stable condition following the emergency landing. No passengers were killed.
Flydubai temporarily suspended its flights to and from Israel following the incident as authorities continued their investigation.
