Israeli officials are examining whether the co-pilot, identified in Israeli reports as Omani, held dual citizenship that allowed him to work aboard the flight to Israel, N12 reported. He had worked for Flydubai for less than a year. Mossad is now leading the investigation, with assistance from Shin Bet, Channel 13 and Army Radio reported.
Israel is treating the incident as a suspected terrorist attack, N12's Amit Segal reported. The co-pilot allegedly stabbed the Emirati captain repeatedly before passengers and crew subdued him, and an additional crew of pilots traveling as passengers took control and stabilized the aircraft, N12 reported. The flight landed in Tabuk on Sept. 30 after transmitting general emergency and unlawful interference signals. Israeli officials were also examining other explanations, including a mental health episode unrelated to terrorism, Channel 12 and Ynet reported.