Flight Attacker 'Underwent Islamist Radical Indoctrination', Netanyahu Says
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Netanyahu Says Flight Attacker Underwent "Islamist Radical Indoctrination"
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims investigations suggest the man who stabbed his fellow pilot and attempted to take over a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv had undergone "Islamist radical indoctrination."
The Flydubai plane plummeted more than 17,000ft (5,200m) two hours into its journey, before passengers and crew overpowered the attacker and safely regained control to land.
Netanyahu, in an interview with Fox News, also stated it was looking "very likely" that the attacker, an Omani national, "was going to down the plane."
The co-pilot, currently being questioned in Saudi Arabia, where the plane made an emergency landing, is expected to be transferred to the UAE, Netanyahu said.
Indian pilot Capt Smit Machchhar, stabbed during the attack, is being hailed as a "hero" by both Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Indian officials confirmed he is recovering well in hospital.
Netanyahu also expressed early doubt about Iran's involvement in the incident, stating: "It's too early to say."