Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that the co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv had undergone what he described as “Islamist radical indoctrination”, adding a new dimension to the investigation into the dramatic mid-air incident that endangered nearly 180 people.
Speaking on Fox News’ Fox & Friends, Netanyahu said investigators had gathered evidence suggesting the suspect had been radicalised before the attack. According to him, authorities are questioning the co-pilot and examining his background, communications, and possible ideological influences.
“We know that he underwent Islamist radical indoctrination,” Netanyahu said, alleging that the suspect repeatedly called on crew members to kill him during the incident. Netanyahu argued that these statements indicated both radicalisation and a possible suicidal mindset. The claims have not yet been independently verified by investigators, and authorities have not publicly released evidence supporting the allegation.
The incident occurred aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 passengers and six crew members on board. Reports indicate that the co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot, inside the cockpit. Despite suffering injuries, Machchhar reportedly fought back and prevented the aircraft from being taken over.
The plane later made an emergency diversion to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Aviation tracking data showed the aircraft losing significant altitude during the emergency, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Captain Machchhar has since been hailed as a hero in India, Israel, and the UAE for helping avert what could have become a major aviation disaster. Friends and former colleagues described him as an experienced and calm pilot with thousands of flying hours.
Investigators from multiple countries are now examining cockpit recordings, crew communications, and security procedures to determine exactly what happened. While attention has turned to the co-pilot’s possible motives, officials stress that the investigation remains ongoing and no final conclusions have yet been reached.