Israel to join investigation into flydubai pilot stabbing incident

Israel is set to participate in an investigation regarding an incident on a flydubai flight involving an alleged attack on a pilot. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed has agreed to Israel’s involvement in questioning the suspect, an Omani national currently held in Saudi Arabia and expected to be transferred to the UAE.

Netanyahu noted that the investigation aims to determine if Iran is linked to the event. During the incident, an Indian pilot was stabbed, but managed to open the cockpit door despite severe bleeding. An Israeli passenger reportedly intervened to subdue the suspect, while other crew members and passengers assisted in securing the aircraft, which sustained damage to the rudder and tail during an emergency descent.

Separately, Iranian state media Press TV has reported allegations that the incident was a ‘false flag’ operation planned by Netanyahu during a secret visit to the UAE. The report, which cites unnamed regional sources, claims the operation was intended to implicate Iran and draw the United States into a conflict. These allegations have not been verified, and there has been no direct response from Israel, the UAE, or the US regarding the claims.