Jerusalem, October 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has alleged that the attacker involved in the Flydubai incident had undergone Islamist radicalisation and intended to crash the aircraft with all passengers on board, describing the intervention of those who confronted him as having prevented a major disaster.
In a video message shared by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office on Friday, Netanyahu said the circumstances surrounding the incident were becoming clearer as the investigation progressed.
“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, according to a statement posted by his office on X.
The Israeli leader said investigators were examining whether the attacker had been directed or sent by someone else and warned that anyone found responsible for such involvement would face serious consequences.
“We are now investigating whether he was sent, and whoever sent him will pay a very heavy price,” Netanyahu said.
Meanwhile, Mohammed bin Zayed’s adviser, Anwar Gargash, praised Indian Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar for his courage and professionalism during what he described as a dangerous terrorist act that could have resulted in a major disaster.
In a post on X, Gargash said Machchhar had demonstrated courage and a strong sense of responsibility under extremely difficult circumstances, crediting his professionalism and conduct during the incident.
Gargash also cautioned against drawing premature conclusions or promoting conspiracy theories, stressing the importance of vigilance and caution in addressing the threats posed by extremism and terrorism.
The United Arab Emirates (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 stated that UAE judicial authorities had jurisdiction over the investigation because the aircraft was registered in the UAE and operated under its flag. It said UAE law applied to offences committed on board the aircraft, even when they occurred outside the country’s territorial boundaries.
The investigation will examine all aspects of the incident, including the possible motives, whether it was connected to terrorist activity or intent, and whether there had been any prior planning or external direction.
The UAE ministry also expressed appreciation to Saudi authorities for their cooperation and handling of the incident.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether the alleged attack involved wider planning or coordination.
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