Lapid Clarifies Security Briefing After Flydubai Incident

Opposition leader Yair Lapid clarified his security briefing with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that no information resembling the morning's Flydubai plane incident was discussed. Lapid had previously stated after the briefing that there was "no reason to panic the public." He accused the government of attempting to "make cheap politics at the expense of Israel's security."

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich responded to the incident, emphasizing that intent should be considered, and those who attempted to crash the plane and murder 180 Israelis should face consequences as if the act had been completed.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for an escalation of Israel's security approach, stating that the "naive perception that our enemies want to live and need to be pitied" was reinforced by the incident. He urged continued action against Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank.

Blue and White chairman Benny Gantz praised the passengers' bravery and resourcefulness, noting that such incidents highlight the strength of the Israeli people. He also criticized the government's attempts to politicize the event.

Democratic Party chairman Yair Golan echoed praise for the passengers' courage, drawing parallels to the October 7th attacks and criticizing the government's "despicable attempts" to exploit the situation for political gain.

The Flydubai flight from Dubai to Ben Gurion Airport declared an emergency code indicating a hijacking over Jordan. The plane turned back towards Saudi Arabia and eventually landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Flydubai stated the distress signal was activated due to a fight between pilots, with suspicions that one pilot intended to crash the plane and the other, with passenger assistance, regained control. An Israeli security official confirmed that an undercover security agent and additional pilots on board assisted in subduing the perpetrator and landing the aircraft.

The security update between Lapid and Netanyahu occurred the previous evening following Netanyahu's statement that enemies might attempt attacks ahead of elections. Lapid had asserted that security threats should be handled professionally and that Israel's security institutions were prepared for elections without causing public panic.