Flydubai Co-Pilot Begged for Death After Attack, Netanyahu Says

The co-pilot of a Flydubai flight, who allegedly attempted to destroy the aircraft before being subdued by passengers and crew, pleaded to be killed, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu recounted that after attacking the captain, the co-pilot was tackled to the floor. His hands were initially bound with headphone wires, and then plastic zip ties were applied. At this point, the co-pilot began shouting at the crew, "Kill me, kill me."

Netanyahu stated that preliminary information suggests the co-pilot was motivated by Islamist radicalization and a desire to die. The Israeli prime minister believes it is highly probable that the aircraft's destruction was the intended outcome, though final conclusions on the motives have not yet been presented by investigators.

The suspect is currently in Saudi Arabia. Following the initial Saudi investigation, he is expected to be transferred to the United Arab Emirates, where the aircraft is registered. The UAE Public Prosecution has established a special investigative team to determine if the incident was a terrorist act, if it was premeditated, and if the attacker had accomplices.

Meanwhile, Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir is demanding the co-pilot's extradition to Israel. "He who planned to crash the plane and kill 180 Israelis must be extradited to Israel and pay the highest price here," the minister declared. While UAE law allows for the death penalty for certain severe terrorist offenses, the suspect has not yet been officially charged, and a terrorist motive has not been definitively established.