Defense Minister Confirms Jihadist Attempted Plane Hijacking

Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed Wednesday that a "jihadist attack attempt" occurred on a Flydubai flight from the UAE to Israel, which was diverted to Saudi Arabia due to security concerns. Initial intelligence suggests the co-pilot intended to crash the plane with all its passengers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the "heroes on the flight from Dubai" for their courage and instructed the security establishment to prepare for further potential threats.

According to Israeli assessments, the co-pilot, of Omani origin, attacked the pilot with a sharp object, stabbing him multiple times. Israeli passengers reportedly assisted the pilot in subduing the co-pilot, allowing the plane to land safely in Tabuk, northwestern Saudi Arabia. Both pilots were injured and hospitalized.

Israel is currently in contact with Riyadh to arrange for Israeli Air Force rescue planes to land in Saudi Arabia to repatriate the 174 Israeli passengers. A waiting area has been opened for passengers' families at Ben Gurion Airport.

The co-pilot's presence in the cockpit may violate aviation agreements between Israel and the UAE, part of the Abraham Accords, which stipulate that pilots from countries hostile to Israel should not be in the cockpit. Transportation Minister Miri Regev has called for a freeze on all Flydubai flights to Israel, to be replaced by Israeli carriers, though this may be complicated by Shin Bet security requirements preventing Israeli airlines from resuming flights to the UAE.

Passenger accounts describe a terrifying ordeal, with the plane shaking and diving. Passengers screamed, and some reported seeing the pilot bleeding after being stabbed. Israeli passengers intervened, with some entering the cockpit to help overpower the assailant and secure the pilot. One passenger described texting farewell messages to her parents, believing they were going to die.