Netanyahu says too early to link Iran to Flydubai hijack attempt
· World · Times of India, CBS News, BBC News
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated it is "too early" to determine whether Iran was involved in the apparent hijacking attempt of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. He said the suspect, an Omani national who stabbed the Indian pilot Smit Machchhar mid-air, is under investigation in Saudi Arabia and may be transferred to the UAE, with possible Israeli participation. Netanyahu added that while Iran’s desire to target Israelis abroad and in Israel is "no secret," there is no confirmed link yet between Tehran and the incident. The flight, carrying around 180 passengers mostly Israelis, made an emergency landing at Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk airport after two off-duty Flydubai pilots subdued the attacker. The incident occurred ahead of the third anniversary of Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attacks and amid ongoing US-Israeli tensions with Iran, including a 12-day war in June 2025. Machchhar, who was seriously wounded, is receiving treatment in a Saudi hospital.
Why it matters
The incident raises concerns about the safety of Indian nationals working abroad, particularly in aviation roles, and highlights vulnerabilities in cockpit security on international flights. It also underscores the broader regional tensions involving Israel, Iran, and their proxies, which could impact India’s diaspora and travel patterns in the Middle East.
Read the original report — Times of India
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