Netanyahu issued a stern warning on Friday after the co‑pilot of a flydubai flight from Tel Aviv to Dubai stabbed the Indian pilot, prompting an emergency landing in Jeddah.
Israeli investigators say the attacker, who was armed with a knife, had undergone Islamist radicalisation, but his country of origin remains uncertain. Earlier reports suggested he was from Oman, though officials have not ruled out other possibilities.
Netanyahu has cited Iran as a likely backer in previous incidents, and U.S. President Donald Trump echoed a similar stance after a ceasefire collapse, warning that Iran would be hit hard if involved.
The flight carried 140 passengers, all of whom survived the incident, and the emergency landing in Saudi Arabia avoided any loss of life—a stark contrast to past hijackings.
Israel is now coordinating with Saudi authorities to trace the assailant’s contacts and is preparing a formal diplomatic protest that could be presented at the next UN Security Council session.