Was Flydubai Co-Pilot Radicalised? Netanyahu Claims Islamist Indoctrination Behind Attack

Was the Omani co-pilot of flydubai brainwashed? Netanyahu makes a major claim, explains how he entered the cockpit

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that the Omani co-pilot of flight FZ1073, en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was motivated by an Islamic radical ideology. During the flight, he attacked the Indian pilot, Captain Smit Machhar, with a knife. Passengers subdued him following the attack, and he has now been extradited to the UAE.

Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Thursday that the co-pilot involved in the alleged attempt to crash the 'flydubai' aircraft flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv had been "indoctrinated with an Islamic, radical ideology." However, Netanyahu did not provide further details on the matter. When asked who had helped radicalize the co-pilot, Netanyahu said he had no information on that and that Israel is cooperating with the investigation being conducted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

What Netanyahu said

Speaking on the 'Fox & Friends' program on the news channel 'Fox News', the Israeli Prime Minister said, "We will get to the bottom of this." In a video recorded by Dr. Shota Musayev—a dentist who treated the Indian pilot, Captain Smit Machhar, on the plane—the co-pilot can be seen kneeling with his hands tied behind his back. The co-pilot's name has not been released, and there is no information regarding his current status.

Indian pilot displays bravery

Machhar thwarted the co-pilot's alleged attempt to crash the aircraft. However, during a struggle in the cockpit, the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machhar, leaving him critically injured. His act of bravery is being praised across the globe, including by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump, and Benjamin Netanyahu.