Netanyahu says flight attacker underwent Islamist radical indoctrination

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said investigations point to the man who stabbed a fellow pilot and attempted to seize control of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv as having been “Islamist radical indoctrinated.”

The aircraft, FZ1073, plunged more than 17,000 feet two hours into its journey before passengers and crew overpowered the assailant and returned safe to the air. The attacker was an Omani national, Netanyahu told Fox News, and was “very likely” aiming to bring the plane down. The UAE has begun its own inquiry into whether the incident was linked to terrorist activity.

Netanyahu added that the attacker, who had been subduing himself with a knife, shouted “kill me, kill me” after he was tied up, indicating a suicidal mindset. He also said it was too early to rule out an Iranian link, while Israeli intelligence sources said the case was still being investigated.

The airplane ultimately landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where the attacker was arrested and is expected to be transferred to the UAE. In response, the United Arab Emirates and Israel have suspended direct flight operations between the two capitals, and airlines such as El Al, Israir and Arkia are preparing rescue and recovery flights.

Indian authorities praised the Indian military pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed during the incident, calling him a “hero”; his doctor says he is “in good health and recovering well.”