Netanyahu claims flydubai co-pilot underwent Islamist radical indoctrination

01/10/2026

Netanyahu claims flydubai co-pilot underwent Islamist radical indoctrination

JERUSALEM, Oct 1: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that the flydubai co-pilot accused of attempting to crash a passenger aircraft bound for Israel had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination, while cautioning that it was too early to determine whether the suspect had any links to Iran.

“We know that he underwent Islamist radical indoctrination,” Netanyahu said in an interview with Fox News, according to Reuters. He added that Israeli authorities expected to establish within days whether the co-pilot had any connections to Iran, stressing that no final conclusion had yet been reached.

The incident occurred Wednesday aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Israeli officials said the co-pilot attacked and stabbed the captain and apparently attempted to bring down the aircraft. Passengers and crew intervened, while other crew members took control of the aircraft, which was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely. Both pilots were injured and taken to hospital, while passengers were reported safe.

flydubai has confirmed that an altercation occurred in the cockpit but said the underlying reasons and motives remain unknown and are subject to a formal investigation, urging against premature speculation.

Important verification: Netanyahu's claim of Islamist radical indoctrination is an attributed allegation from the Israeli prime minister, not an independently established finding of the investigation at this stage. The airline itself has said the motive remains under investigation.