Israel has indicated that it will seek the extradition of the Omani co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of flydubai Flight FZ1073 during its journey from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, speaking to NDTV, described the incident as a suspected terror attempt with what he called “jihadist” characteristics, while stressing that the investigation into the motive and those potentially behind it remains incomplete.

The Boeing 737 was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on September 30 after the co-pilot allegedly attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar in the cockpit. The aircraft underwent a rapid descent during the incident before control was restored. Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door despite being injured, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene, while other pilots on board helped bring the aircraft safely to the ground.

Sa’ar said investigators were still working to determine whether the incident was carried out independently or formed part of a wider plot. He suggested that the suspected attacker may have intended to target Israeli passengers and damage relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, including the framework of the Abraham Accords. However, these remain Israeli assessments rather than established findings of the investigation.

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The suspected attacker has been identified by Israeli officials as an Omani national. Saudi authorities have since transferred him to the UAE, where investigators are examining the circumstances and possible motive behind the incident. Asked whether Israel would seek his extradition, Sa’ar said Israel would do so. The UAE has separately opened an investigation into the episode, including whether terrorism or prior planning was involved.

The possibility of an Iranian connection has also been raised, but Sa’ar said Israel currently has no proof linking Tehran to the incident. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has separately alleged that the co-pilot had undergone Islamist radicalisation, while acknowledging that investigations into the incident and any wider links are continuing. Reuters also reported that no evidence linking Iran to the attack had been established.

The incident has prompted wider questions about aviation security and the vetting of pilots operating flights to Israel. Sa’ar also said Israel and the UAE were determined not to allow the incident to damage their bilateral relationship. Meanwhile, attention remains focused on Captain Machchhar’s recovery and on investigations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Israel as authorities seek to establish the circumstances, motive and any wider connections behind the cockpit attack.

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