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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said investigators believe the man who stabbed a fellow pilot aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination and intended to crash the aircraft.

The incident occurred about two hours into the flight when the plane suddenly descended more than 17,000 feet. Passengers and crew fought the attacker, who was then tied up and taken from the cockpit, allowing the plane to land safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking to Fox News, Netanyahu added that the assailant, an Omani national, shouted to the aircrew, “kill me, kill me,” indicating a clear suicidal motive. He described the attacker’s background as showing “Islamist tendencies” that made it probable he was attempting a terrorist act.

The United Arab Emirates state news agency reports investigations are underway to determine whether the attack was linked to any terrorist organization or purpose. Meanwhile, the suspect was captured in Saudi Arabia and is expected to be transferred to the UAE.

Both Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the stabbed pilot, Indian national Capt. Smit Machchhar, as a “hero.” The Indian ambassador to the UAE confirmed that the pilot was recovering well after the incident.

Flydubai has suspended all Dubai‑Tel Aviv flights pending its own investigation, and Israeli transport officials are coordinating rescue flights to bring stranded passengers back to Israel.

This event comes amid heightened tensions in the region and underscores the threats posed by radicalised individuals attempting to compromise air travel.