Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the Omani first officer accused of attacking the pilot of a flydubai flight may have been influenced by extremist ideologies. Netanyahu’s comments come as investigations into the incident continue, with authorities examining the copilot’s possible motivations and connections.
According to Netanyahu, passengers who intervened in the incident reported that the copilot repeatedly called for someone to kill him after they had stopped the attack. An Israeli official further claimed that the suspect’s social media activity included statements about killing Jews, adding another layer of concern to the ongoing investigation.
The flydubai aircraft was forced to divert to Saudi Arabia following the altercation. After receiving medical treatment, both the captain and the copilot were transferred to the United Arab Emirates. Emirati authorities are now investigating the copilot for potential terrorist activity or intent.
While Netanyahu mentioned that the investigation is in its early stages, he noted it is too soon to determine whether the copilot has any connections to Iran. Both U.S. and Israeli officials have confirmed that investigators are exploring possible links in this regard as part of the broader probe.
Regional authorities are also involved in the investigation, working to determine the motive and circumstances surrounding the attack. This multi-faceted inquiry aims to uncover any underlying threats and ensure the safety of air travel in the region.