Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Netanyahu Says Flydubai Attacker Planned Passenger Plane Crash
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacker in a Flydubai incident had been influenced by Islamist extremism.
He said the attacker wanted to crash the plane while passengers were still on board.
Netanyahu said Yaniv and other people stopped a much larger disaster.
He also said Israel was checking whether someone else had sent or directed the attacker.
UAE adviser Anwar Gargash praised pilot Smit Machchhar for acting bravely and professionally.
UAE prosecutors are investigating what happened and what caused it.
They will also examine whether terrorism, planning or outside direction was involved.
The articles do not report a final official finding on those questions.
Benjamin Netanyahu said the Flydubai attacker had undergone Islamist radicalisation and intended to crash the plane with passengers aboard.
Netanyahu said Yaniv and other people prevented a disaster he compared with the scale of 9/11.
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 Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar for courage and professionalism during Wednesday’s incident.
UAE prosecutors are investigating the incident’s circumstances, motives, possible terrorist connections, prior planning and direction.
- Who
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the alleged attacker, pilot Smit Machchhar, Anwar Gargash and UAE prosecutors are central to the reports.
- What
- Netanyahu alleged that the attacker intended to crash a Flydubai aircraft with its passengers aboard; UAE authorities are investigating the incident.
- When
- The incident occurred on Wednesday; UAE authorities issued their investigation statement on Thursday, and Netanyahu’s comments were reported on Friday, October 2, 2026.
- Where
- The exact location is not specified; the aircraft was registered in the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi authorities assisted with handling the incident.
- Why
- Netanyahu said the attacker intended to cause a crash, while UAE prosecutors are examining the incident’s motives, possible terrorist links, planning and direction.
Netanyahu’s Allegations
UAE Investigation
Attacker’s motive and intent
Netanyahu’s Allegations
Netanyahu said the attacker had undergone Islamist radicalisation and intended to crash the aircraft with its passengers aboard.
UAE Investigation
The UAE is investigating the incident’s motives and whether it involved terrorist activity or intent; the reports do not provide a final UAE finding.
Possible outside direction
Netanyahu’s Allegations
Netanyahu said Israel was investigating whether the attacker had been sent by others and warned that those responsible would pay a heavy price.
UAE Investigation
UAE prosecutors are examining whether there was prior planning or direction, but the reports do not confirm outside involvement.
Description of the incident
Netanyahu’s Allegations
Gargash described the event as a dangerous terrorist act and warned against downplaying risks from extremism and terrorism.
UAE Investigation
The UAE investigation is intended to determine the incident’s circumstances and causes rather than publicly settle all details in the reports.
- Israeli allegation
- Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacker had undergone Islamist radicalisation and intended to crash the plane with all passengers aboard.
- Prevented disaster
- Netanyahu said Yaniv and his companions prevented a disaster on the scale of 9/11.
- Possible outside involvement
- Netanyahu said Israel was investigating whether the attacker had been sent by others.
- Pilot praised
- UAE adviser Anwar Gargash praised Indian Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar for courage and professionalism.
- Investigation authority
- A specialised team of UAE public prosecutors was tasked with investigating the incident.
- Legal jurisdiction
- The UAE said its judicial authorities have jurisdiction because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and flies its flag.
- Investigation scope
- Prosecutors are examining the incident’s circumstances, motives, possible terrorist activity or intent, prior planning and direction.
