An Israeli passenger on a flight from Dubai reportedly helped prevent a mid-air catastrophe on October 1 after one of the pilots allegedly stabbed his co-pilot and attempted to crash the aircraft with nearly all Israeli passengers on board.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation in a formal statement delivered from the Prime Minister's Office, describing what he called "a very serious security incident" that unfolded as the flight neared Israeli airspace.
What Happened Aboard the Flight
According to Netanyahu, one of the pilots attacked the other during the journey and then began interfering with the plane's systems in what appeared to be a deliberate attempt to bring it down. Speaking after he had personally called one of the survivors, the Prime Minister described how the aircraft went into a spin and began to dive.
"He told me that somehow he managed to break into the cockpit with one of the crew members," Netanyahu said of the Israeli passenger he spoke with.
"And together they neutralised the stabbing pilot while he was trying to sabotage the plane's systems."
A separate flight crew member who was also on board then entered the cockpit and managed to stabilise the aircraft before it could come down.
Plane Lands Safely, Pilot Under Arrest
The flight made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. All passengers were confirmed safe, and the pilot accused of the attack was arrested and placed under interrogation by Saudi authorities.
Netanyahu praised those who intervened as heroes. "I salute these heroes who showed resourcefulness and extraordinary courage. They saved many lives. They prevented a major disaster," he said.
The Prime Minister added that he had instructed Israeli security systems to prepare for other possible threats in the wake of the incident and that ongoing situation assessments were under way. He also confirmed that Israeli officials were in continuous contact with the relevant Saudi and aviation authorities to facilitate the safe return of all passengers.