Israel’s head of state has said investigations point to the Dubai‑to‑Tel Aviv attacker as having undergone Islamist radical indoctrination. The man, identified as an Omani national, stabbed pilot Smit Machchhar and attempted a takeover of the flight, causing a sudden drop of over 17,000 feet before passengers and crew subdue him.
Flying from Dubai International at 03:05 GMT, the Flydubai jet was en route to Ben Gurion when the incident occurred roughly two hours later. The aircraft issued a general emergency declaration and later a hijacking alert before diverting to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia at 06:58.
Netanyahu told Fox News that the attacker was "very likely" intent on crashing the plane and was reportedly suicidal, as he shouted “kill me” after being restrained. Israeli officials said the co‑pilot is under questioning in Saudi Arabia, where the aircraft landed for emergency landings.
The United Arab Emirates reports investigations have begun to determine whether the incident was linked to terrorist activity. UAE authorities, exercising jurisdiction over the flight as it was registered under the UAE flag, are working closely with Israeli security services.
In the wake of the attack, Flydubai has suspended all flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv, and Israeli transportation ministries are coordinating rescue flights from Dubai to retrieve stranded passengers. The incident underscores heightened security measures across Middle Eastern air routes.
The attacker, currently in custody in Saudi Arabia, is expected to be handed over to the UAE for further legal proceedings. Israeli and Indian officials praised pilot Smit Machchhar’s bravery, and the Indian government has declared him a hero.
