Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Fox News that investigations suggest the man who stabbed a fellow pilot on a Flydubai flight was the product of Islamist radical indoctrination. He described the suspect, an Omani national, as having aimed to bring the aircraft down after he was subdued by passengers and crew.


The flight, FZ1073, departed from Dubai International Airport at 03:05 GMT bound for Ben Gurion Airport. Two hours into its journey, the aircraft dropped more than 17,000 ft, prompting an emergency declaration and a successful manual descent that landed the plane safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.


Netanyahu also noted that passengers had witnessed the attacker calling out for death, indicating a suicidal intent. He reiterated that the investigation is still underway and that early indications point to a potential terrorist motive.


The United Arab Emirates (UAE) state media has begun inquiries to determine whether the incident was linked to any terrorist activity. Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry, where the aircraft diverted, has returned the pilot and co‑pilot to the UAE after they received medical clearance.


The incident has prompted the UAE to assert jurisdiction, given the aircraft’s registration. In response, Flydubai announced a suspension of its Dubai‑Tel Aviv route while conducting its own investigation.


Reactions from other governments and parties were swift. U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Iran would be ‘hit very hard’ if proven involved, while UAE officials indicated Iran may be responsible without formally accusing Tehran. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the stabbed pilot, Indian national Capt. Smit Machchhar, as a hero, as did Ambassador Deepak Mittal who flew to the UAE to visit Machchhar in hospital.


Israel’s Transportation Ministry said the flight suspension aligns with Netanyahu’s directives and has requested increased flights from Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv. Israeli airlines such as El Al, Israir, and Arkia arranged rescue flights from Dubai to bring stranded passengers home.