Netanyahu: Co-Pilot Radicalized, Perpetrator and Masterminds Will Pay

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Friday that the co-pilot suspected of attempting to crash a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Israel had undergone "Islamist radicalization." Netanyahu added that investigators are examining the possibility that the co-pilot was sent by another party, warning that "whoever sent him will pay a very heavy price." He elaborated in a video statement that as the picture becomes clearer, it appears the perpetrator intended to crash the plane with its passengers. The investigation is determining if he was sent and by whom, with the assurance that the sender will face severe consequences.

Meanwhile, the first Israeli rescue aircraft landed in Dubai. The incident occurred on Wednesday aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The co-pilot, identified as an Omani citizen, allegedly attacked and stabbed the Indian captain, Sumit Machahar, before attempting to bring the plane down. The aircraft rapidly lost over 16,000 feet in altitude. The injured captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to subdue the co-pilot. Another flight crew member then took control and safely landed the plane in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Captain Machahar, hospitalized in Abu Dhabi, spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recounting his struggle to reach the cockpit door and open it after sensing the plane's descent. He stated, "I fought for my life," understanding the passengers' lives were at risk if he failed. Modi praised his bravery and actions that enabled intervention by passengers and crew.

The suspect has since been transferred to the United Arab Emirates, where Israeli authorities are expected to participate in the investigation. Currently, there is no evidence suggesting he acted on behalf of any state or organization. UAE authorities are investigating whether the incident had a terrorist motive and if it was pre-planned or instigated by another party. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to the UAE President, described the event as an act of terror and commended the Indian captain's actions. However, a statement from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday clarified that the official investigation has not yet determined the motive and urged against premature conclusions.

Flydubai has suspended its flights to Israel until further notice, cooperating with the investigation and awaiting official findings. Israeli passenger Yeniv Hayun, along with other passengers including Zvika Mans and Dr. Shota Musaev, assisted in restraining the co-pilot until another pilot took control. Captain Machahar was also lauded for his efforts to open the cockpit despite his injuries. President Isaac Herzog announced he would recommend awarding the "President's Medal for Civil Heroism" to the four Israelis who acted during the incident, also acknowledging Tali Mans, Zvika's wife, for initially alerting to the unusual activity in the cockpit.