Netanyahu: We are investigating whether the pilot who attacked the plane acted alone, those responsible will face consequences

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said authorities are still investigating whether the pilot of a Flydubai plane, who allegedly tried to bring it down, acted alone or was sent by other people.

“As time passes, the picture becomes clearer,” Netanyahu said in a video released by his office.

He praised the reaction of pilot Yaniv Hayoun and other people who intervened to prevent what he described as a possible catastrophe of a scale similar to the September 11 attacks.

According to Netanyahu, the alleged perpetrator had gone through a process of Islamist radicalization. “We are currently clarifying whether he was sent by someone else,” he said, adding that anyone found responsible will face consequences.

Meanwhile, Indian pilot Smit Machhar has recounted how he managed to intervene, despite being injured during the incident. In a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said he was lying on the cockpit floor, but made a final effort to open the door from inside.

According to his account, passengers and other people then intervened to help bring the situation under control.

“I was fighting for my life, but at the same time I knew I would not let the others die,” Machhar said.

Investigations are continuing to determine the full circumstances of the incident and whether other people were behind the attack.