'Whoever sent pilot will pay heavy price': Netanyahu's warning after flydubai attack

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cautioned on Friday that the individual who carried out the attack on a Flydubai flight would face severe repercussions if found to be sponsored by an outside party. The incident occurred during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, resulting in a rapid descent of nearly 14,000 feet.

Israeli investigators are currently probing whether the assailant was instructed from outside sources. Netanyahu's remarks follow the co-pilot's assault on Indian Captain Smit Machchhar, which led to the passengers and crew overpowering him. Despite sustaining injuries, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, enabling the intervention of two Flydubai pilots who were onboard.

The aircraft ultimately landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Netanyahu stated that the attacker had been subjected to Islamist radicalization. He revealed that the initial investigation pointed toward the co-pilot's suicidal intentions, emphasizing that the individual had repeatedly expressed a desire to be killed. However, the exact motive and potential involvement of external actors remain undetermined.

The United Arab Emirates has initiated an investigation into the incident, with the UAE's presidential adviser describing the event as a "dangerous terrorist act." Israeli Consul General in Mumbai, Yaniv Revach, also condemned the act of terror and commended Captain Machchhar's heroic actions. Netanyahu praised the heroism displayed by the passengers and the co-pilot, stating that the incident prevented a potential disaster reminiscent of the 9/11 attacks.

Captain Machchhar, who is currently recovering in Abu Dhabi, later communicated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video call, describing the harrowing experience.