Israel Says No Motive Yet in flydubai Cockpit Attack, Co-Pilot Likely Acted Alone

Israeli officials say no motive has been found for the apparent attempt to crash flydubai flight FZ1073, which was headed from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Two Israeli security officials say the early assessment is that the co-pilot acted alone, but the investigation is ongoing. Israel’s envoy to the UAE, Yossi Shelley, said it is too early for conclusions. Another official said Israel is not getting all the information it wants from Saudi Arabia, so Mossad and Shin Bet are investigating too.

How the Flight Was Saved

The plane dropped nearly 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds over Saudi Arabia. The co-pilot stabbed the captain, who still managed to unlock the cockpit door. Passengers then overpowered the attacker, and a reserve crew on board landed the plane safely at Tabuk airport with more than 170 people aboard. Passenger Yaniv Hayun said he pulled the attacker out and straightened the plane by pulling up the yoke. Both pilots were hospitalised.

Is Iran Involved?

Netanyahu said it is too early to say whether Iran was behind it and promised answers “very soon.” Israel has found no Iranian link so far. Defense Minister Israel Katz called the co-pilot a terrorist who aimed to crash the plane, while Netanyahu used the term “serious security incident.”

UAE and Saudi Investigations

An Israeli official named the attacker as an Omani national. Oman has not commented. Saudi Arabia is holding him, and Netanyahu expects him to be sent to the UAE. UAE authorities, who have jurisdiction because the plane is UAE-registered, are probing terrorism links or prior planning. flydubai warned against speculation.

Captain Hailed as a Hero

Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Indian captain Smit Machchhar. The incident raises security fears weeks before Israel’s election.