Netanyahu: Omani co-pilot underwent religious radicalization

<p>The initial investigation into the attempted hijacking of the <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/30/flydubai-israel-flight-incident-plane-questions" target="_blank">FlyDubai flight</a> from the UAE to Israel found that the co-pilot underwent religious Islamic radicalization in recent months, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/video/6406028458112" target="_blank">told</a> Fox News on Thursday.</p><p><strong>Why it matters:</strong> Netanyahu's remarks, confirmed by an Israeli intelligence official and individuals who worked with the co-pilot, suggest the possibility that the incident was a terrorist attack.</p><hr /><p><strong>Driving the news:</strong> The investigation is being led by the Saudi security services, which have been interrogating the co-pilot who allegedly attacked the other pilot while the plane was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv.</p><ul><li>The United Arab Emirates has formed a team to investigate the incident. "The investigation includes examining all circumstances and motives surrounding the incident, including any possible connection to terrorist activity or intent, and whether it involved prior planning or direction," a spokeswoman for Emirati Foreign Minister Afra Alhameli said in a <a href="https://x.com/AfraMalHameli/status/2105598219417784754" target="_blank">statement</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>Behind the scenes:</strong> An Israeli intelligence official stated that the Mossad and Shin Bet spy agencies are also investigating.</p><ul><li>"The Omani co-pilot went through a process of religious radicalization in recent years. We don't know yet if he is a 'lone wolf' or whether he was sent by someone to conduct an attack," the official said.</li></ul><p><strong>The intrigue:</strong> On Wednesday, Israel's Channel 16 <a href="https://x.com/yosefyisrael25/status/2105345659096215855" target="_blank">reported</a> testimony from another FlyDubai pilot who knew the Omani co-pilot.</p><ul><li>According to the report, the co-pilot worked for the company for only eight months and was more religiously observant than most of his co-workers.</li></ul><p><strong>What he's saying:</strong> President Trump told reporters Thursday he has reason to believe Iran was involved in the foiled hijacking. "Based on what I'm hearing is yes, but we're working on it right now," he said.</p><ul><li>Israeli officials state they currently do not have indications of Iranian involvement, but they have not ruled it out.</li><li>The Saudi Ministry of Interior stated that UAE officials participated in the interrogation of the pilot and co-pilot. Both have been transferred to the UAE for further interrogation, according to the statement.</li></ul><p><strong>What to watch:</strong> One of the aspects being investigated is how an Omani national was assigned as a pilot on a flight to Israel.</p><ul><li>According to security protocols agreed upon by the UAE and Israel, crew members from countries that do not have diplomatic relations with Israel cannot serve on flights to Israel.</li></ul>