Trump Claims Netanyahu Told Him Israeli Plumber Stabilized Plane
A FlyDubai copilot stabbed his captain on a flight carrying 174 people to Tel Aviv, triggering a rapid descent before passengers and reserve pilots landed the jet in Saudi Arabia.
- 174 passengers were aboard flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
- The aircraft dropped roughly 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds during the struggle.
- 4 passengers held U.S. citizenship, the State Department confirmed.
- The copilot, an Omani citizen, remains in Saudi custody under arrest.
Why it matters: The attack prompted Israel to order security checks on all foreign pilots flying into the country and led FlyDubai to suspend all Israel flights.
- Trump warned that if Iran is confirmed to be involved, it will be "hit very hard."
- The incident occurred one week before the anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel.
How 21 sources split on this story
Where they split: Whether the attack was terrorism with state backing or the act of an individual remains the core unresolved question — investigators have ruled nothing out.
Center coverage, 9 sources: The center leads with the active investigation and Trump's Iran warning, emphasizing what officials have confirmed versus what remains unknown.
Jerusalem Post2h'It's possible': Omani flydubai pilot could be linked to Iran's IRGC, Trump suggestsTITimes of Israel5hNetanyahu says Omani copilot who tried to bring down flight ‘underwent Islamist radical indoctrination’
Axios8hNetanyahu: Omani co-pilot went through Islamic radicalization
Military.com4hTrump Sidesteps Questions on Endorsing Netanyahu Before Oct. 27 Israeli Elections
Newsweek8hThis is what "globalize the intifada" looks like
USA Today4hNetanyahu's popularity was waning. Will a near plane catastrophe help him?WYWKBN Youngstown2hTrump says Iran will be hit 'very hard' if it is behind copilot who tried to crash flight to IsraelLeft coverage, 4 sources: The left focuses on Trump's blunt characterization of the copilot and the dramatic passenger intervention, treating the Iran claim as unverified speculation.
The Independent11hTrump calls co-pilot who tried to hijack Israel flight ‘a terrorist or a whack job’
Al Jazeera5hDespite praise and White House visits, Trump avoids endorsing Netanyahu
CBS News2hTrump suggests FlyDubai co-pilot is linked to Iran, "based on what I'm hearing"
Politico54mIsrael’s Herzog calls Trump ‘No. 1 friend’ of his countryRight coverage, 8 sources: The right highlights the heroism of the Israeli passenger and the captain, and frames the attack as an attempted jihadist terrorist act targeting the Abraham Accords.
Breitbart News22hTrump After Netanyahu Call Hails Flydubai Rescue as ‘Most Amazing Story’
Newsmax2hTrump Vows to Hit Iran 'Very Hard' If It's Linked to FlyDubai Attack
Daily Mail4hTrump reveals FlyDubai pilot may be linked to Iran as he issues chilling warning
PJ Media11hNetanyahu Confirms Hijacker Had ‘Islamist Radical Indoctrination’
The Daily Wire22hTrump Raises Iran Link In Israel’s Near-9/11 Terror Attack
The Sun5hIran ‘involved’ in hijacking attempt, Trump suggests after knife-wielding co-pilot ‘tried to crash’ Israel-bound jet
The Washington Times5hTrump sidesteps questions on endorsing Netanyahu before Oct. 27 Israeli elections
Townhall6hTrump Says Iran Likely Involved in FlyDubai ChaosWhat’s next: Saudi investigators are working with Israeli, UAE, U.S., and Omani officials to determine the motive.
- Israel has requested the copilot be transferred to Israeli custody; Saudi Arabia has not confirmed it will comply.
- Was Iran or another state actor involved in the attack?
- Will Saudi Arabia transfer the copilot to Israel for questioning?
- What weapon did the copilot use, and how did he pass pre-flight security screening?