National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called Thursday evening for Israel to seek the extradition of the Omani co-pilot accused of stabbing the captain and attempting to crash a Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai flight. The plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where the suspect remains in custody. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the suspect underwent 'Islamist radical indoctrination,' and the UAE is investigating whether the incident was terrorism-related.
The call by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir Thursday evening comes days after an Omani co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv and attempted to crash the aircraft. The plane, carrying approximately 170 passengers mostly Israelis, made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where the suspect is detained. Captain Smit Machchhar fought back and helped passengers and crew subdue the attacker, according to Israeli officials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the suspect underwent 'Islamist radical indoctrination,' and the UAE is investigating whether the incident was terrorism-related or premeditated, though the motive has not been officially confirmed. Extradition efforts could face significant diplomatic hurdles: Saudi Arabia and Oman have no diplomatic relations with Israel, and Israel has no extradition treaty with the UAE.
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