Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the co-pilot involved in the Flydubai cockpit attack had undergone Islamist radicalisation and intended to crash the plane with its passengers on board.Netanyahu made the remarks on October 2 as investigations continued into the incident involving Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the co-pilot allegedly attacked Indian captain Smit Machchhar.Key HighlightsNetanyahu said the attacker had undergone Islamist radicalisationHe alleged that the co-pilot intended to crash the aircraftIndian pilot Smit Machchhar was attacked inside the cockpitPassengers and crew members intervened during the incidentThe aircraft landed safely in Saudi ArabiaUAE and other authorities are continuing the investigationNetanyahu Speaks on Flydubai AttackNetanyahu said the situation was becoming clearer and credited passengers who intervened during the attack with helping prevent a major disaster. He also said authorities were investigating whether the attacker had been directed by someone else.The Israeli Prime Minister's comments are part of an ongoing investigation. The UAE has said its specialised prosecutors are examining the circumstances, possible motive and whether the incident had any connection to terrorist activity or prior planning.Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar AttackedThe incident happened aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073. The co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit, after which the aircraft experienced a sharp drop in altitude.Despite suffering injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene. A reserve crew member subsequently helped bring the aircraft under control, and it landed safely at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia.The aircraft was carrying 174 passengers, according to Reuters. Machchhar later spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his hospital bed in Abu Dhabi and described how he managed to respond after being attacked.Investigation Still UnderwayThe UAE is leading the investigation into the incident, while Israeli and Saudi authorities have also been involved. Investigators are examining the attacker's motive and whether anyone else was involved.Netanyahu's claims about radicalisation and the alleged intention to crash the plane are part of the information being reported about the case; authorities have not yet publicly established all details of the motive or whether the attacker acted alone.
