Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Israel will impose a “very heavy price” on any power found to be behind the flydubai incident, although no evidence has been presented linking any country to the attack.
“As time passes, the picture is becoming clearer: The attacker underwent Islamist radicalisation. He came to crash the plane with all passengers on board,” Netanyahu said in a statement.
“We are investigating whether he was sent, and whoever sent him will pay a very heavy price,” he added.
Netanyahu did not name any country as being responsible. However, US President Donald Trump has said he was “hearing” that Iran could be involved and warned that Tehran would be “hit very hard” if that was confirmed. Trump did not provide details of the alleged connection.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu also said investigators were still determining whether the co-pilot had links to Iran or another party. Reuters reported that Israeli officials initially believed the co-pilot may have acted alone, while investigations into the incident continued.
The incident occurred on Wednesday aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The Omani co-pilot allegedly stabbed the Indian captain and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
Passengers and crew members intervened and overpowered the attacker, allowing reserve pilots on board to take control. The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Netanyahu has described the attacker as having undergone Islamist radicalisation. However, Reuters reported that no motive had been conclusively established and that investigators were still examining whether he had any links to Iran or others.
The investigation involves authorities from several countries, with the United Arab Emirates leading the probe. Israeli officials are also expected to question the co-pilot as investigators examine his background and possible motive.
The incident has renewed scrutiny of aviation security in the region, while the question of whether any external power was involved remains under investigation.