"As time passes, the picture becomes clearer. The attacker was radicalized by Islamic ideology. He boarded the plane intending to crash it with all passengers onboard," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated today.

Referring to the first officer, who attacked the captain in the cockpit, Netanyahu said, "We are investigating whether he was incited. Anyone who incited him will pay a heavy price."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in East Jerusalem on 5/7. Photo: AFP

Israel's prime minister did not name any specific country that might be behind the incident, but Tel Aviv has for years pointed to Iran, a nation Israel and the US launched an offensive against in late February.

flydubai flight FZ1073, en route from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Tel Aviv, Israel, activated transponder codes 7700 and 7500 on 30/9. These codes are used for in-flight emergencies and hijack attempts.

The aircraft then repeatedly ascended and descended abruptly, failing to maintain a stable altitude, before making an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

The flight path of FZ1073 and the moment the plane dove. Graphics: SMH

The cause was determined to be the first officer attacking the captain and attempting to crash the plane. However, the captain fought back and received timely assistance from passengers, preventing a tragedy.

Earlier, Netanyahu stated that the first officer was Omani and had raised the possibility of him having psychological issues. Following the incident, the UAE canceled all flights to Israel as the investigation continues.

An Israeli government official told Reuters that Israeli investigators would join the UAE-led probe to clarify the incident, the motive, and the suspect's background.

US President Donald Trump said on 1/10 that he had heard about possible Iranian involvement and warned Tehran would "pay a very heavy price" if this information proved accurate.

Prime Minister Netanyahu meets Yaniv Hayun, a passenger on the flydubai flight, at Ben Gurion Airport, Israel on 1/10. Photo: Reuters

Israel and the US have long accused the Iranian government of involvement in many attacks worldwide since the Islamic Republic was established in 1979. However, Iran is not widely known for hijackings, which were a characteristic form of attack for al-Qaeda, as seen in the 11/9/2001 terrorist attacks in the US, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) in the 1960s-1970s.

Thanh Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)