Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Netanyahu Cites Islamist Radicalization in Flydubai Co-Pilot Incident
A flydubai plane was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot allegedly attacked the other pilot and tried to take control.
Passengers were able to stop and subdue him.
A reserve crew then landed the plane in Saudi Arabia.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination.
Netanyahu also said the co-pilot appeared suicidal.
However, investigators had not found a definite motive.
He said the co-pilot might have had connections to Iran, but there was not enough information to say that yet.
The investigation was still ongoing.
Netanyahu said his comments were indications rather than final conclusions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the flydubai co-pilot underwent Islamist radical indoctrination.
The co-pilot allegedly stabbed the other pilot and tried to take over flight FZ1073, according to one report.
Passengers subdued the attacker, and a reserve crew landed the plane in Saudi Arabia.
Netanyahu said the co-pilot appeared suicidal, but investigators had not determined a motive.
Netanyahu said it was too early to establish whether the co-pilot had links to Iran or anyone else.
- Who
- The flydubai co-pilot, the other pilot, passengers, a reserve crew, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- What
- The co-pilot allegedly attacked the other pilot and tried to take over flight FZ1073, but passengers subdued him and the aircraft was landed by a reserve crew.
- When
- The incident occurred on Wednesday; Netanyahu discussed it on Thursday, October 1.
- Where
- The flight was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv and landed in Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- No motive had been determined. Netanyahu cited alleged Islamist radical indoctrination and suicidal behavior as possible clues, while saying any connection to Iran remained unconfirmed.
Possible Islamist or Iranian Motive
Unresolved Investigation
Interpretation of the co-pilot's background
Possible Islamist or Iranian Motive
Netanyahu said the co-pilot underwent Islamist radical indoctrination and appeared suicidal, describing those facts as important clues.
Unresolved Investigation
No motive had been determined, and Netanyahu said he was not drawing final conclusions.
Possible Iranian connection
Possible Islamist or Iranian Motive
Netanyahu said investigators might be able to determine within days whether the co-pilot had connections to Iran.
Unresolved Investigation
He also said it was too early to say whether the co-pilot had links to Iran or anyone else.
Lone actor or wider plot
Possible Islamist or Iranian Motive
The incident prompted questions about whether the act could have involved Islamist or state-sponsored influences.
Unresolved Investigation
The available reports do not establish a wider plot, state sponsorship, or an Iranian role.
- Flight
- flydubai flight FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Reported incident
- The co-pilot allegedly attacked the other pilot and tried to take over the aircraft
- Passenger response
- Passengers subdued the attacker
- Landing location
- Saudi Arabia
- Netanyahu's assessment
- He said the co-pilot underwent Islamist radical indoctrination and appeared suicidal
- Iran connection
- Netanyahu said it was too early to determine whether the co-pilot had links to Iran
