- Israeli PM Says Investigation Is Examining Possible Radicalisation and Whether Assailant Was Sent by an Outside Actor
JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that those responsible for Wednesday’s attack aboard a flydubai passenger aircraft could face a “very heavy price,” while acknowledging that investigators have not established whether any state was behind the incident.
In a statement on Friday, Netanyahu said investigators were examining the possibility that the assailant had undergone Islamist radicalisation and deliberately attempted to seize control of the aircraft.
“As time passes, the picture is becoming clearer,” Netanyahu said, adding that authorities were investigating whether the attacker had been “sent” by another party.
“If he was sent, whoever sent him will pay a very heavy price,” Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu did not name any country as being responsible. However, his remarks came amid renewed speculation over Iran’s possible involvement. US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he had heard Iran could be connected to the incident and warned that Tehran would face severe consequences if its involvement were established.
Israeli and US officials have previously accused Iran of supporting or facilitating attacks through allied groups in different parts of the region and beyond. Tehran has denied involvement in such attacks.
The incident occurred on Wednesday aboard a Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight. According to Israeli officials and witnesses, the co-pilot, reportedly an Indian national, was stabbed by an assailant in the cockpit. The pilot subsequently allowed passengers to enter the cockpit and help restrain the attacker.
The aircraft was diverted and made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. No passengers or crew members were killed in the incident.
Netanyahu had earlier said the pilot was from Oman and had also left open the possibility that the attacker could have been experiencing mental health problems. The investigation is continuing, and no definitive evidence has publicly established that the incident was directed by a foreign government.
Authorities are expected to examine the attacker’s background, motives and possible contacts as part of the ongoing investigation.
BY: The Times Union
