Rescue Flight Departs Saudi Arabia With Israelis; Netanyahu to Greet Them

A Flydubai flight carrying 166 Israeli passengers, who were stranded in Saudi Arabia, has departed for Israel. The rescue flight took off on Wednesday and is expected to land at Ben Gurion Airport in approximately 45 minutes. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering attending the airport to welcome the returning Israelis.

The departure follows hours of uncertainty and efforts by Israeli authorities to secure the passengers' return. Initially, some passengers hesitated to board the rescue flight. Concurrently, Israel engaged with Saudi authorities, seeking permission for an alternative flight operated by an Israeli airline. The original aircraft involved in the incident carried 174 passengers, 166 of whom were Israeli.

Security and political officials closely monitored the developments. The possibility of chartering a separate plane to bring the Israelis home was also explored. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the Mossad had pre-screened the Flydubai flight. Simultaneously, diplomatic efforts were underway to obtain Saudi approval for an unmarked Israeli airline to land.

Security officials assess that the incident was likely not directed by Iran, with the perpetrator believed to have acted independently. However, the circumstances remain under investigation, led by the Mossad.

Following the incident, Prime Minister Netanyahu accepted Transportation Minister Miri Regev's recommendation to temporarily halt Flydubai flights to and from Israel pending a full investigation. Netanyahu praised the "heroes on the flight from Dubai" for their "resourcefulness and courage" and instructed security forces to prepare for potential further threats.