Netanyahu Links Flydubai Flight Attacker to Islamist Radical Indoctrination
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that ongoing investigations indicate the man who stabbed his fellow pilot and attempted to take over a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv experienced Islamist radical indoctrination. Despite this finding, Netanyahu emphasized that it is premature to draw definitive conclusions regarding the exact motive behind the incident.
Flight Incident and Investigation
The violent cockpit altercation involved an Omani co-pilot who attacked the captain in what appeared to be an attempt to crash an Israel-bound flight. Passengers intervened and overcame the attacker during the ordeal. Following the event, the alleged attacker underwent interrogation by Saudi security services as authorities opened an investigation into the apparent crash attempt.
An Israeli passenger recounted subduing the attacker by grabbing him, placing him in a chokehold, and pulling him out of the cockpit, while another passenger reportedly took over plane controls after the pilot suffered stab wounds.
Diplomatic and Transport Developments
India's ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Deepak Mittal, visited Captain Machhar in the hospital. The Indian Mission confirmed via social media that the captain is in good health and recovering well.
In response to the disruption, Israel's Transportation Ministry submitted an urgent request to Etihad Airlines to increase flight frequencies between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, reports noted that Saudi Arabia turned down an Israeli request to permit its planes to pick up stranded flydubai passengers.