2 hrs ago
Netanyahu Says Flydubai Attacker Planned Passenger Plane Crash
Israel's prime minister said a person involved in a Flydubai incident had become influenced by Islamist extremism.
He said the person wanted to crash the plane while passengers were inside.
He also said Israel was checking whether someone else had sent or directed the attacker.
An official from the UAE praised pilot Smit Machchhar for acting bravely and professionally.
UAE prosecutors are leading the investigation.
They will try to find out what happened and why.
They will also examine whether terrorism or earlier planning was involved.
The investigation has not yet publicly established all the details.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Flydubai attacker had undergone Islamist radicalisation.
Netanyahu alleged that the attacker intended to crash the plane with all passengers aboard.
He said Israel was investigating whether the attacker had been sent by others and warned those responsible would face a heavy price.
UAE adviser Anwar Gargash praised Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for his courage during the incident.
UAE prosecutors are investigating the incident, including its motives, possible terrorist links, planning and direction.
- Who
- The alleged attacker, Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE investigators are central to the report.
- What
- A Flydubai incident is being investigated after Netanyahu alleged that the attacker planned to crash the aircraft with its passengers.
- Where
- The aircraft was registered in the United Arab Emirates and the incident involved Saudi authorities; the report does not specify the exact location.
- When
- The incident occurred on Wednesday; UAE authorities issued an investigation statement on Thursday, and Netanyahu's remarks were reported on Friday, October 2, 2026.
- Why
- Authorities are investigating the incident's circumstances, motives, possible terrorist intent, prior planning and whether others directed the attacker.
Netanyahu's Allegation
UAE Investigation
Attacker's motive
Netanyahu's Allegation
Netanyahu said the attacker had undergone Islamist radicalisation and intended to crash the aircraft with its passengers.
UAE Investigation
UAE prosecutors are still investigating the circumstances, motives and whether the incident involved terrorist activity or intent.
Possible outside involvement
Netanyahu's Allegation
Netanyahu said Israel was investigating whether the attacker had been sent by others.
UAE Investigation
The UAE investigation will examine whether there was prior planning or direction, but the report gives no confirmed finding on outside involvement.
Key facts
- Israeli claim
- Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacker had undergone Islamist radicalisation and intended to crash the plane.
- Possible outside direction
- Netanyahu said Israel was investigating whether someone else had sent the attacker.
- Pilot praised
- Indian Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar was praised by UAE adviser Anwar Gargash for his courage and professionalism.
- Investigation authority
- A specialised team of UAE public prosecutors was assigned to investigate the incident.
- Legal jurisdiction
- The UAE said its law applies because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and flies its flag.
- Investigation scope
- Prosecutors are examining the incident's causes, motives, possible terrorist connections, prior planning and direction.
- Regional cooperation
- The UAE thanked Saudi authorities for their cooperation and handling of the incident.
Quotes
Benjamin Netanyahu
Prime Minister of Israel
“The Indian pilot at 'Flydubai,' Smit Machchhar, deserves every bit of appreciation, for he embodied the meaning of courage and responsibility in the face of a dangerous terrorist act and a potential disaster. His professionalism and moral sense in the darkest of circumstances make him a true hero”
freepressjournal.in
“As time passes, the picture is becoming clearer. Yaniv and his heroic companions prevented a disaster on the scale of 9/11. The attacker underwent Islamist radicalisation. He intended to crash the plane with all its passengers on board.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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