Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed a pilot stabbed a co-pilot on a Tel Aviv-bound flight, with the attacker attempting to crash the aircraft. The incident involved a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, which was diverted to Saudi Arabia after a cockpit altercation. The plane landed safely in Tabuk, with 174 passengers unharmed.
The pilot, identified as Indian national Captain Smit Machchhar, was stabbed by the co-pilot during the flight. Machchhar fought back, opened the cockpit door, and allowed passengers and crew to subdue the attacker. Netanyahu praised Machchhar's actions, calling him a 'hero' who prevented a 'catastrophic mid-air disaster.'
Israeli officials described the incident as an 'attempted jihadist terror attack,' with the Defence Minister stating it was 'not believed to have been a hijacking.' The incident has raised concerns about security on the Israel-Emirates route, which passes through Saudi airspace. Netanyahu and Modi praised Machchhar's bravery, highlighting the 'unwavering resolve' to protect lives during the crisis.