Israeli Prime Minister says investigations are examining whether the attacker was directed by others as UAE authorities probe the incident involving Indian pilot Smit Machchhar
Jerusalem, Oct 2: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday said the attacker involved in the Flydubai incident had undergone Islamist radicalisation and intended to crash the aircraft with all passengers on board.
“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,” Netanyahu said in a video message shared by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office on X.
Netanyahu said investigators were also examining whether the attacker had been sent by another person or organisation. “We are now investigating whether he was sent, and whoever sent him will pay a very heavy price,” he said.
The remarks came as authorities continued investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and the motives of the attacker.
Earlier, Anwar Gargash, Adviser to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, praised Indian Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar for his actions during what he described as a “dangerous terrorist act” that could have resulted in a major disaster.
“The Indian pilot at ‘Flydubai,’ Smit Machchhar, deserves every bit of appreciation, for he embodied the meaning of courage and responsibility in the face of a dangerous terrorist act and a potential disaster,” Gargash said in a post on X.
He also praised Machchhar’s professionalism and sense of responsibility during the incident, describing his conduct under extremely difficult circumstances as that of a hero.
At the same time, Gargash urged caution in assessing the incident, warning against simplistic explanations and the spread of conspiracy theories before the investigation establishes the facts.
“Far from the easy reduction of what happened or the adoption and promotion of conspiracy theories, vigilance and caution remain essential in confronting the risks of extremism and terrorism,” he said.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday that a specialised team of public prosecutors had been assigned to investigate the incident and establish its circumstances and causes.
The ministry said UAE judicial authorities have jurisdiction over the investigation because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and operates under its flag. Under applicable UAE legislation, the ministry said, UAE law applies to crimes committed aboard the aircraft even when they take place outside the country’s territory.
According to the ministry, investigators will examine all aspects of the incident, including the attacker’s motives and whether the episode involved terrorist activity or intent. They will also investigate whether there was any prior planning, direction or external involvement.
The UAE government also expressed appreciation to Saudi authorities for their cooperation and for their handling of the incident.
The investigation is expected to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the attack, including the motive and whether the incident was carried out independently or involved prior coordination.
