Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Friday that anyone found to have directed the attack aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073 would “pay a very heavy price”, as investigators examine whether the co-pilot acted alone or on instructions from others.
He did not provide evidence for the radicalisation claim, and investigators have yet to establish whether another person or group directed the attack.
Netanyahu said the co-pilot had undergone “Islamist radicalisation” and intended to crash the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight with everyone on board. “We are investigating whether he was sent, and whoever sent him will pay a very heavy price,” Netanyahu said in a video message. Netanyahu said investigators were examining the co-pilot’s actions and whether anyone else was involved. He had earlier told Fox News that the attacker called on the crew to kill him after he was overpowered. Netanyahu said this led him to believe the co-pilot was suicidal and intended to bring down the aircraft.
Machchhar, who is recovering in an Abu Dhabi hospital, spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by video call on Friday.
UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash on Friday described what happened aboard the flight as a “dangerous terrorist act” and praised Machchhar for his actions.
