Livid Lapid, Diplomatic Source Clash Over Security Briefing and Dubai Flight Incident

Opposition leader Yair Lapid on Wednesday vehemently denied receiving any information about an incident similar to the one that occurred on a Flydubai flight during a security briefing with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the previous evening. Lapid stated that nothing resembling the morning's airplane event was mentioned, not even "a hint," and accused unnamed individuals of attempting to politicize national security for "cheap politics."

In response, a diplomatic source countered that while Lapid was not briefed on the specific flight incident, he was informed by the Military Secretary about a "significant increase in terrorism abroad, on a scale not seen in years." This exchange follows a half-hour security update between Netanyahu and Lapid, which occurred after Netanyahu had warned of potential enemy attacks around the upcoming elections.

Lapid had previously criticized the public presentation of security threats, stating that such matters require professional handling and should not be used as election campaign props. He emphasized that security updates should come from professional bodies like the IDF and Shin Bet, not from a politician's social media account during an election period.

The controversy arises after an unusual incident on Flydubai flight FZ1073, en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv with over 150 Israelis aboard. Reports indicate the co-pilot, an Omani national, stabbed the pilot, and Israeli officials increasingly suspect it was an act of terror rather than a psychological issue. Passengers and crew reportedly intervened to subdue the attacker.

An Israeli official described the event as narrowly averting a "very heavy disaster." The aircraft experienced a rapid descent of approximately 14,000 feet in one minute, triggering a distress code indicating unlawful interference, potentially a hijacking. Israeli Air Force jets were scrambled, and emergency consultations were held among security leaders. The plane ultimately landed in Saudi Arabia, where Israeli forces are reportedly present to debrief the Israeli passengers before their return to Israel.