Flydubai Pilot Suspected of Radicalism in Near-9/11 Incident

A colleague described the suspect in an attempted Flydubai plane hijacking as "very religious" and exhibiting "very strange behavior," according to a report by mako. The pilot, reportedly an Omani citizen, has not been officially identified. His colleague noted that the suspect "distinguished himself with very strange behavior, especially concerning the observance of religious commandments that did not fit his surroundings," adding that he "prayed a lot and did not shake hands with women." The article raises questions about how the pilot obtained clearance to work on a flight to Israel, given the lack of diplomatic relations between Israel and Oman.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News that the incident was "almost another 9/11," but cautioned that it was too early to determine who was behind the attack. "I don't know what the exact background of this person, the attacker, is, but he clearly hated Israelis, because he was going to kill about 170 of them on that plane, and kill himself too," Netanyahu stated.

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed he spoke with Netanyahu about the incident, relaying a version he heard: "It looks like the co-pilot, maybe he was a terrorist, or maybe he was crazy, and he stabbed the pilot." Trump emphasized he had no independent confirmation of the details or motives, calling it "a story I heard... I don't know if it's true, but it's the story I got from Bibi."

Meanwhile, the Flydubai pilot who was severely injured, identified only as "Smith Mizhar" in the original text, is fighting for his life. He managed to open the cockpit door, allowing other crew and passengers to enter and help stabilize the aircraft, which was carrying 174 people.

Separately, El Al has canceled its evacuation flights from Dubai scheduled for Friday due to a lack of permission from UAE authorities. The first flight was supposed to depart from Israel to Dubai, but the UAE's refusal has led to the cancellation. Other Israeli airlines, like Israir, have not opened ticket sales for such flights, while Arkia hopes to receive permission soon, potentially rescheduling for Saturday.