Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday warned that Israel would impose a "very heavy price" on anyone behind the attempted hijacking of a flydubai flight. However, Netanyahu did not provide evidence that any country was involved. He said the investigation now points towards the Omani co-pilot. Israeli authorities suspect that the co-pilot underwent Islamist radicalisation. They also believe he may have planned to crash the aircraft with all passengers on board. "As time passes, the picture is becoming clearer: The attacker underwent Islamist radicalisation. He came to crash the plane with all passengers on board," AFP quoted Netanyahu as saying in a statement. Netanyahu said investigators are also checking whether another party directed the co-pilot. He warned that Israel would take action against anyone found to have sent him. "We are investigating whether he was sent, and whoever sent him will pay a very heavy price," Netanyahu said of the co-pilot assailant. Netanyahu did not name any country as a possible suspect. However, Israel has repeatedly accused Iran of supporting attacks and other activities against Israel.

Trump Also Raises Iran Connection

US President Donald Trump also mentioned a possible Iranian connection to the incident. Trump said on Thursday that he was "hearing" Iran may have played a role in the flydubai incident. He also warned that Iran would "be hit very hard" if investigators confirmed its involvement. Israel and the United States have previously accused Iran's Shia clerical government of supporting or carrying out attacks in different parts of the world since the Islamic Republic was established in 1979. However, the report noted that Iran has few known links to aircraft hijackings. Historically, militant groups have carried out many high-profile hijackings. These include Al-Qaeda and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Al-Qaeda was linked to the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine also carried out several hijackings during the 1960s and 1970s.

Omani Co-Pilot Allegedly Attacked Indian Pilot

Netanyahu had earlier identified the alleged attacker as an Omani national. He also left open the possibility that the man could have faced mental health problems. According to Israeli officials and witnesses, the incident took place on Wednesday aboard a flydubai flight heading to Tel Aviv. The Omani co-pilot allegedly stabbed Indian pilot Smit Machchhar during the incident. Machchhar then allowed passengers to enter the cockpit. The passengers helped him overpower the attacker. The aircraft later made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. No deaths were reported in the incident. Authorities are continuing their investigation. They are examining the co-pilot's background and possible motive. They are also checking whether another person or organisation directed the alleged attack.