Comedian Praises Israeli Passengers Who Subdued Attacker on Flydubai Flight

Israeli comedian Guy Hochman lauded the Israeli passengers who intervened during an attack on the cockpit of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The passengers are being hailed as heroes for their actions after an assailant, identified as the co-pilot and an Omani citizen, allegedly stabbed the main pilot and attempted to seize control of the aircraft.

Hochman described the incident as "crazy," emphasizing that it was a story about Israelis' courage rather than just a plane. He noted how ordinary travelers, returning from a trip, did not hesitate to act when faced with danger, drawing a parallel to past acts of Israeli bravery. "Heroes without uniforms. Thank you for reminding us all what it means to be Israelis," Hochman stated, adding that such individuals deserved a place on the national team.

The flight, FZ1073, carried over 150 Israelis. Reports indicate that crew members and passengers heard the commotion in the cockpit, broke in, and subdued the attacker. An Israeli official commented that a "very serious disaster was averted." One passenger, who documented himself with blood on his face after the incident, stated, "We have now taken control of the terrorists, we are about to land. Everyone who hears me, we need help."

Another passenger, Yitzhak Liber, confirmed that several individuals "jumped and removed them from the cockpit" after the attacker, armed with a knife, stabbed one of the pilots. Footage from the cockpit showed Israelis securing the entrance and providing medical aid to the injured pilots.

During the incident, the aircraft reportedly lost about 14,000 feet in altitude within a minute, and a distress code indicating unlawful interference was activated. Israeli Air Force fighter jets were scrambled, and emergency security consultations were held. After losing contact and changing course, the plane eventually landed in Saudi Arabia. Israeli officials confirmed that Israeli forces are on the ground in Saudi Arabia, assisting with the questioning of the Israeli passengers before their return to Israel. There are growing indications that the attack was an act of terrorism rather than a mental health incident, and Israel is awaiting further information from Saudi Arabia.