Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, has expressed concern over the timing of a recent incident on a flydubai flight, stating that it occurred at a "particularly sensitive" time. The incident took place ahead of the upcoming Israeli polls, the third anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, and just days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the UAE. Azar emphasized that the investigation's results will determine the motive behind the incident.
The flydubai flight incident involved the co-pilot attempting to sabotage the aircraft, stabbing Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot, in the process. The Boeing 737, carrying over 170 passengers, began dropping rapidly before Machchhar fought back the co-pilot and opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to overpower him. Azar hailed Machchhar as a hero, terming it an "amazing example" of how people from different nations can work together to fight terrorism.
Azar stated that Israel does not yet know the motive behind the incident or any possible Iranian connection. He emphasized that the investigation's results will provide more information, and Israel's security agencies will look into the issue, drawing conclusions from regional intelligence agencies, civil aviation authorities, and others. Azar also mentioned that the incident may intensify cooperation in the region against terrorism.
The incident has garnered significant attention, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu praising Captain Machchhar's bravery. Modi hailed Machchhar as a "hero" who showed "immense courage" and "unwavering resolve" to save lives on board. Netanyahu described Machchhar as a "true hero" and praised his "extraordinary bravery". Azar also mentioned that counter-terrorism agencies of the two nations remain in close contact.
Azar expressed appreciation for the role of the Indian pilot and passengers in the incident, stating that it is essential for people to work together to fight terrorism. He also mentioned that Israel's security agencies will try to determine how to improve protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. The investigation is ongoing, and Azar urged caution with information at this stage.
When asked about a possible connection between the incident and Hamas, Azar stated that they do not know yet and will have to wait for the investigation's results. He also mentioned that he is not aware of the background and motive of the Omani pilot or any indication of a connection with Hamas. Azar emphasized that the attacker will be thoroughly investigated.
Azar concluded that Israel will continue to work closely with India to fight terrorism, sharing information and coordinating efforts to prevent such incidents. The incident highlights the importance of cooperation between nations and people in combating terrorism. Key points include the sensitive timing of the incident, the heroism of Captain Machchhar, and the ongoing investigation into the motive behind the incident.
Key points
- The incident occurred at a sensitive time, ahead of Israeli polls and the third anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel.
- Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot, fought back the co-pilot and helped avert a major in-flight crisis.
- Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, emphasized the need for cooperation between nations and people to fight terrorism.
