Ben-Gvir demands extradition of Omani flydubai pilot accused of trying to crash plane
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‘Israel's’ National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir demanded the extradition of an Omani flydubai co-pilot accused of trying to crash a Tel Aviv-bound flight carrying mostly ‘Israeli’ passengers.
On Wednesday, flydubai Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, with about 174 people aboard including around 27 children, experienced a mid-air crisis.
The Omani co-pilot allegedly stabbed Indian captain Smit Machchhar and attempted to seize control and crash the aircraft, causing a sharp descent of thousands of feet.
Despite serious injuries, Machchhar fought back, unlocked the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew—including off-duty pilots—to overpower the attacker.
The plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Passengers later described hearing screams, seeing blood, and intervening as the aircraft plummeted.
Ben-Gvir, speaking ahead of a security cabinet meeting, said he would press the Justice Ministry and diplomatic officials to pursue every avenue to bring the suspect to ‘Israel’ for questioning and full prosecution.
“Someone who planned to crash a plane and murder 180 Israelis should be extradited to Israel and pay the heaviest price here,” he stated.
“Anyone who tries to murder or harm Israelis will be pursued by the State of Israel and held to account anywhere in the world.”
He added that ‘Israel’ “cannot be satisfied with the fact that the disaster was prevented through abundant divine mercy and thanks to our heroic passengers”.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the co-pilot “underwent Islamist radical indoctrination”.
He noted the attacker appeared suicidal, with reports of him shouting “Kill me! Kill me!” during the struggle, and said the passengers and crew “managed to prevent a 9/11 disaster.”
‘Israeli’ officials assessed the act as a likely lone-wolf attempted terror attack rather than part of a broader directed plot, though investigations continue.
The suspect was initially held and questioned in Saudi Arabia before transfer toward the UAE.
Neither Saudi Arabia nor Oman has diplomatic relations with ‘Israel’, and while ‘Israel’ maintains ties with the UAE under the Abraham Accords, the two lack a bilateral extradition treaty, complicating any transfer.
Netanyahu said ‘Israel’ would participate in the interrogation.
