Israeli pilot Smit Machchhar subdued a co-pilot during a violent cockpit struggle on a flight bound for Tel Aviv, preventing a potential disaster. The incident involved 174 passengers and resulted in an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Machchhar, who was stabbed by his co-pilot in an alleged attempt to crash the plane, described the ordeal from a hospital bed, stating he recited a Hindu prayer for courage during the attack. The co-pilot, identified as an Omani national, is under investigation for possible radicalization.
Israeli officials have warned of a 'very heavy price' if any country is found responsible for the incident, while the airline and UAE authorities conduct a joint investigation. The event has raised concerns about security on international flights.
The incident has led to increased scrutiny of potential terrorist links, with Israeli and U.S. officials pointing to possible connections with Iran, though no definitive evidence has been presented.