Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that the Omani co-pilot accused of stabbing the captain aboard a Flydubai flight had undergone what he described as “Islamist radical indoctrination”, while also pointing to a possible gap in the screening process that allowed the pilot to operate a flight to Israel.
The comments came after Flydubai flight FZ1073, carrying 174 passengers, was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot allegedly attacked the pilot-in-command.
The incident caused the Boeing 737 MAX 8 to lose nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds, according to the report. The captain was able to unlock the cockpit door, after which passengers restrained the co-pilot while another pilot took control of the aircraft.
What Netanyahu said about the co-pilot
In an interview with Fox & Friends, Netanyahu said a preliminary inquiry had indicated that the co-pilot had undergone what he termed “radical indoctrination”.
The Israeli prime minister said investigators were examining the co-pilot’s personal background and other information as part of the inquiry.
Netanyahu also claimed that the co-pilot shouted “kill me” during the incident, which he interpreted as indicating suicidal intent. That characterization remains part of Netanyahu’s account of the incident.
Netanyahu flags pilot-screening loophole
Netanyahu said Israel has restrictions concerning pilots from countries that do not have diplomatic relations with the country.
According to him, the Omani national was nevertheless able to operate the flight to Israel, highlighting what he described as a loophole in the screening system.
He said pilots flying passengers to Israel had undergone background checks, but suggested the process needed to be strengthened to ensure that all pilots operating flights to the country were screened in advance.
Netanyahu said authorities were already working to address the issue.
Iran connection under investigation
The Israeli prime minister also addressed questions over whether the co-pilot had any connection to Iran.
Netanyahu said it was too early to draw conclusions and that investigators were still examining the possibility.
He said authorities expected to establish within days whether there were any links to Iran or other entities.
The remarks come as the investigation into the incident continues. Netanyahu’s statements about the co-pilot’s alleged radicalisation and any potential foreign links have not, in the material provided, been presented as independently established findings of a completed investigation.
Indian pilot injured in attack
The captain involved in the incident was Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who was reportedly injured during the attack but managed to regain access to the cockpit and help prevent a potentially serious aviation emergency.
The incident is now being investigated on multiple fronts, including the co-pilot’s background, the circumstances surrounding the attack and the procedures that allowed him to operate the flight to Israel.
