Israel to Participate in Probe of Co-Pilot Who Allegedly Tried to Crash Plane

Israeli authorities are expected to participate in the investigation of the Flydubai co-pilot who allegedly attempted to hijack and crash the aircraft, according to a report by Reuters citing a source familiar with the investigation. The co-pilot was transferred to the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, where Israeli investigators are reportedly set to question him. The specific Israeli agency involved has not been disclosed.

The investigation is currently being led by the UAE, with a focus on the motives behind the alleged actions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a video message that the co-pilot had undergone an "Islamist radicalization" and intended to crash the plane with its passengers. He added that Israel is investigating whether the co-pilot was sent by anyone and vowed that those responsible would pay a heavy price.

UAE officials have also characterized the incident as an act of terrorism. Dr. Anwar Gargash, Senior Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the UAE, praised the heroic actions of the Indian captain, Captain Smit Machear, who struggled with the co-pilot. Gargash described the captain as a true hero for his courage and professionalism in the face of a dangerous terrorist act.

However, a source close to the UAE government expressed frustration with Israel's handling of the situation, suggesting that the incident was being exploited for political purposes. This source criticized Israel's rhetoric about "rescue flights" for Israelis stranded in the UAE, implying it created an unnecessary impression of crisis. The source also stated that Israel was currently preventing Flydubai flights from operating, a move the UAE did not understand, and felt that Israeli elections were influencing the event's management rather than logic.