3 hrs ago
Netanyahu Says Israel Will Probe Flydubai Attack, Iran Link Unclear
A Flydubai plane was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot attacked the captain.
The captain was seriously injured but managed to open the cockpit door.
Passengers and crew rushed in and stopped the co-pilot.
The plane dropped nearly 14,000 feet very quickly before the situation was brought under control.
Other pilots on board helped land the aircraft safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The plane sent emergency signals showing that it was in trouble.
The passengers later reached Israel safely, according to Israeli officials.
Investigators are trying to learn why the attack happened and whether anyone else helped.
Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel may join the UAE investigation.
He said it was too early to know whether Iran was connected.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was too early to determine whether Iran was involved in the Flydubai incident.
A co-pilot allegedly attacked and stabbed the captain during Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Passengers and crew overpowered the co-pilot after the aircraft descended nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.
The aircraft transmitted emergency codes 7700 and 7500 before landing safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Netanyahu said Israel would follow and possibly participate in the UAE-led investigation into the attack and its motive.
- Who
- Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar, the co-pilot, passengers, crew members and additional pilots aboard the aircraft; Israeli and Emirati authorities are involved in the investigation.
- What
- A co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to crash an Israel-bound Flydubai flight before passengers, crew and other pilots intervened.
- Where
- The flight traveled from Dubai toward Tel Aviv and landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; passengers later reached Israel.
- When
- The incident occurred on September 30, 2026; reports and Netanyahu’s comments were published September 30 and October 1, 2026.
- Why
- Authorities are investigating the attack’s motive, whether the co-pilot had accomplices and whether Iran was involved.
No Confirmed Iranian Role
Possible Iranian Role Under Investigation
Iranian involvement
No Confirmed Iranian Role
Netanyahu said it was too early to say whether Iran was involved and provided no evidence linking Iran to the attack.
Possible Iranian Role Under Investigation
Netanyahu said investigators would examine whether Iran was behind the incident, leaving that possibility open.
Israel’s role in the probe
No Confirmed Iranian Role
Reuters reported that Israel would possibly participate in the investigation, while the co-pilot’s motive remained under investigation.
Possible Iranian Role Under Investigation
The other report said Netanyahu spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, who agreed to Israel participating in the probe.
Cause of the incident
No Confirmed Iranian Role
Flydubai said the underlying reasons remained unknown and warned against premature speculation.
Possible Iranian Role Under Investigation
Investigators are examining whether the co-pilot had accomplices and whether the incident was a deliberate attempt to crash the aircraft.
Key facts
- Flight
- Flydubai Flight FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Captain
- Indian captain Smit Machchhar was seriously injured after being attacked and stabbed in the cockpit.
- Emergency descent
- The aircraft plunged nearly 14,000 feet, or 4,267 meters, in less than 30 seconds, according to Israeli officials.
- Emergency codes
- The aircraft transmitted code 7700 before switching to code 7500, associated with unlawful interference.
- Landing
- The aircraft landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Investigation
- Netanyahu said Israel would follow and possibly participate in the UAE investigation; another report said the UAE agreed to Israel joining the probe.
Quotes
Benjamin Netanyahu
Prime Minister of Israel
“It’s too early to say, the attacking pilot is … now being investigated in Saudi Arabia. I think he’ll be taken to the Emirates, where he comes from, or at least where he left, where he flew off from, and we’ll be following and possibly also participating in this investigation”
theprint.in
news18.com
“I spoke to President bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates, and he agreed immediately that we should join the investigation. And we’ll find out”
news18.com
Sources
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