Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed on Thursday that the co-pilot who attacked the captain of a FlyDubai flight to Tel Aviv had undergone "Islamist radicalisation" and appeared to have had suicidal intent. The authorities have not yet reached a final conclusion on the co-pilot's motive.
Netanyahu's claims
Speaking to Fox News, Mr Netanyahu said the assessment of radicalisation is based on information the authorities are gathering on the co-pilot's personal background.
For his claim that the man wanted to die, Mr Netanyahu pointed to what happened after he was restrained. According to the prime minister, the man shouted "kill me" at the crew.
Two Israeli security officials said the initial assessment is that the co-pilot, whom they identify as an Omani national, acted alone.
What happened on board
The co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain while flight FZ1073 was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Despite his injuries, the captain managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and restrain the attacker.
Netanyahu:
— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 1, 2026
We know that the attacker pilot underwent “Islamist radical indoctrination.” pic.twitter.com/QujxLEX98i
During the attack, the aircraft lost almost 14,000 feet (more than 4,200 metres) in less than 30 seconds. Two other FlyDubai pilots who were on board then took control and landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The investigation in Saudi Arabia
The co-pilot is being held in Saudi Arabia, where the authorities are investigating what led to the attack.
Mr Netanyahu said it was still too early to know whether the man had any connection with Iran. So far, no evidence has been made public pointing to a link with Iran or any organisation.
NEW:
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) October 1, 2026
"Kill me, kill me!" That is what the attacker shouted at the crew after being subdued on board, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. pic.twitter.com/o3o64MwVbY
The United Arab Emirates has launched its own investigation, with the Saudi authorities also involved. Investigators are examining whether the co-pilot acted alone, whether the attack had been planned, and whether it was linked to a terrorist act.
Flights suspended
The incident has already led Israel to announce stricter checks on pilots of foreign airlines flying to the country.
FlyDubai has suspended all flights to and from Israel until further notice while the investigation continues. Emirateshas also stopped its codeshare flights with FlyDubai to Tel Aviv.
After the emergency landing in Tabuk, the passengers of FZ1073 were eventually flown to Israel on another FlyDubai aircraft.
According to AFP, Israel had asked Saudi Arabia to allow Israeli military aircraft to land in Tabuk to collect the passengers, but the request was refused. The two countries have no formal diplomatic relations, although since 2022 Saudi Arabia has allowed aircraft travelling to or from Israel to use its airspace.
Meanwhile, El Al is preparing special flights to bring home Israelis stranded in Dubai after FlyDubai suspended its routes. Israeli media report that officials from the Shin Bet security service have travelled to the UAE to organise security for the flights.
The passengers who entered the cockpit
Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced that he will recommend that four passengers who helped restrain the co-pilot be honoured for their actions.
Among them is Yaniv Hayoun, who entered the cockpit with other passengers. Mr Netanyahu met him after his return to Israel and called him "a hero".
Mr Hayoun said that when he entered the cockpit, he helped pull the co-pilot away from the controls, and then pulled back on the aircraft's control column to limit the steep descent.
What remains unknown
Despite Mr Netanyahu's statements, the authorities have not yet announced a final conclusion on the co-pilot's motive.
The weapon used in the cockpit also remains an open question. Mr Netanyahu has spoken of an axe, while passengers have referred to a knife. No official answer has been given on exactly what was used or how it came to be in the co-pilot's hands.
FlyDubai has asked for no premature speculation until the investigations are complete.
Source: LiFO, ERT News
