"Whoever sent him will pay a very heavy price": Netanyahu on 'indoctrinated Islamist' co-pilot of flydubai cockpit attack
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu vows retribution against those behind the alleged Islamist-radicalised co-pilot's attempt to crash a flydubai flight.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a chilling warning, stating that whoever orchestrated the attempted hijacking of a flydubai flight will "pay a very heavy price." The Prime Minister's comments follow a terrifying mid-air incident involving flight FZ 1073, where an Omani co-pilot allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft.
'A Disaster on the Scale of 9/11'
In a video message released by the Prime Minister's Office, Netanyahu described the incident as a near-catastrophe that could have mirrored the scale of the September 11 attacks. He claimed that the attacker had undergone Islamist radicalisation and intended to deliberately crash the plane with all passengers on board.
Netanyahu praised the bravery of the crew, specifically highlighting the heroic efforts of Captain Smit Machchhar and his companions. According to the Prime Minister, it was the swift and courageous intervention of the pilot and several passengers that foiled the attacker's deadly plan and prevented a mass casualty event.
"As time passes, the picture is becoming clearer. Yaniv and his heroic companions prevented a disaster on the scale of 9/11. The attacker underwent Islamist radicalisation. He intended to crash the plane with all its passengers on board. We are now investigating whether he was sent, and whoever sent him will pay a very heavy price," Netanyahu declared.
Flydubai Urges Caution Amid Investigations
While the Israeli leadership has moved toward assigning motive and radicalisation, flydubai is taking a more measured approach. The airline's CEO, Ghaith Al Ghaith, expressed profound gratitude to the flight crew and the passengers who stepped up during the crisis to ensure the aircraft's safety.
In an official statement, Al Ghaith noted:
- Deep appreciation for Captain Machchhar and the pilots who secured the aircraft.
- Gratitude toward the passengers who assisted the crew during the critical situation.
- Thanks to the emergency services and authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their professional response during the emergency diversion.
Official Probes Underway
Despite the gravity of the Prime Minister's allegations, flydubai has cautioned against premature speculation. A spokesperson for the airline emphasized that the underlying motives behind the event remain unknown and are currently the subject of multi-agency probes.
The airline has confirmed the following:
- A full official investigation is being led by relevant authorities with the complete support of flydubai.
- The airline is prioritizing flight safety and remains in close coordination with regulators and airport stakeholders.
- Following official directives, flydubai has temporarily halted its services to Tel Aviv to allow regulatory bodies to conduct their investigations without impediment.
As investigators dig deeper into whether the co-pilot acted alone or was part of a larger coordinated effort, the global aviation community remains on high alert regarding the security implications of the incident.