Netanyahu says flight attacker 'underwent Islamist radical indoctrination'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that an Omani national who attempted to hijack a Flydubai flight likely underwent Islamist radical indoctrination. The incident, which caused the plane to nosedive 17,000 feet, is currently under investigation by UAE authorities.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding aviation security and the potential for radicalized individuals to target international transit hubs.
Image source, AFP via Getty Images By Olivia Ireland Published 22 minutes ago Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says investigations suggest the man who stabbed his fellow pilot and tried to take over a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv had undergone "Islamist radical indoctrination".
The Flydubai plane plunged more than 17,000ft (5,200m) two hours into its journey on Wednesday, before passengers and crew overpowered the attacker and retook control to land safely.
Speaking to Fox News, Netanyahu also said it was looking "very likely" that the attacker, who he said was an Omani national, "was going to down the plane".
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) state news agency reports investigations have begun there to determine "whether the incident was linked to any terrorist activity or purpose".
Figure caption, Passenger Almog Itali said it felt like a "rollercoaster" as Flight FZ1073 fell 17,000ft in less than two minutes
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