Israel Seeks to Question Pilot After Flydubai Incident

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior announced that the co-pilot and captain of a Flydubai flight, who were injured during an incident, have been transferred to Abu Dhabi for medical treatment. The ministry confirmed that an initial investigation revealed the co-pilot attacked the captain, leading to both being wounded. However, the Saudi statement did not mention that the flight was en route to Israel, that most passengers were Israeli, or that the incident was being investigated as a potential terror attack. The flight, FZ1073, made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, yesterday morning with 174 passengers and eight crew members. Passengers departed Saudi Arabia later that day on a different Flydubai aircraft, while the crew returned to Dubai, except for the two pilots who received medical care. The Saudi investigation, conducted with security personnel from the UAE, did not detail the circumstances or motive behind the attack, nor did it address reports that the co-pilot is an Omani citizen suspected of attempting to hijack the plane. Israeli officials reportedly wish to question the co-pilot in the coming days. Meanwhile, both Israel and the United States are examining the possibility of Iranian involvement. U.S. President Donald Trump indicated he believes Iran was involved, stating a strong U.S. response would follow if confirmed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also stated that the possibility of Iranian backing is being investigated. The flight had departed Dubai for Tel Aviv with over 150 Israelis on board. A distress code indicating unlawful interference was activated during the flight, prompting Israel to scramble fighter jets and hold urgent security consultations. Passenger accounts suggest the co-pilot stabbed the captain, identified as Indian national Smith Machchar. During the rapid descent, passengers and crew reportedly entered the cockpit to subdue the attacker, while Israelis on board provided medical aid to the injured captain. India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed Captain Machchar was transferred to Abu Dhabi for further treatment and is in good condition.