UAE INVESTIGATES COCKPIT STABBING ON ISRAEL-BOUND FLYDUBAI FLIGHT

UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi has opened an investigation into a mid-air altercation between two pilots aboard a Flydubai flight bound for Israel that was diverted to Saudi Arabia, according to the Emirati state news agency WAM. Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday when it was diverted and landed safely at Tabuk airport. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a co-pilot stabbed the flight's pilot, identified as Indian national Smit Machchhar, and attempted to crash the aircraft. Netanyahu credited Machchhar and passengers with averting what he described as a catastrophe.

Al Shamsi has formed a team of public prosecutors to examine the circumstances and motives behind the attack, including whether it was linked to "terrorist activity or intent" or involved prior planning or direction, WAM reported. He said UAE judicial authorities have jurisdiction over the case because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and flies under its flag. UAE law applies to crimes committed on board "even if they occur outside the country's territory", Al Shamsi said. The investigation will look into whether the co-pilot acted alone or with any wider direction, according to WAM.

Netanyahu said he spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who agreed that Israel would "join the interrogation" of the suspect. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said separately that he held a "warm conversation" with his UAE counterpart, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, following the diversion. Saar said they agreed to strengthen relations and to work together against what he called "extremist elements seeking to harm security and undermine stability in the region." Flydubai has since suspended its flights to Israel.