Passenger Thwarts Attack on Flydubai Flight, Meets Netanyahu

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with a passenger who neutralized an assailant on a Flydubai flight en route to Israel from Dubai. The flight, carrying approximately 180 passengers including over 100 Israelis, was diverted to Saudi Arabia after a distress signal was activated. Initial concerns of a hijacking were raised, prompting the Israeli Air Force to scramble fighter jets and a high-level security consultation involving Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and the IDF Chief of Staff.

Further investigation revealed the incident likely stemmed from an altercation between the pilot and co-pilot, during which the distress button was accidentally pressed. However, circumstances are still being examined, including the possibility of a stabbing during the confrontation. One passenger described hearing screams and seeing blood after the cockpit door was opened, stating that the pilot was stabbed with a knife.

Israeli passengers, along with crew members, reportedly subdued the attacker. "We prayed 'Shema Yisrael'. The Israelis neutralized the stabber together with the crew," recounted one passenger, Miriam, who described the intense fear experienced during the flight. The passengers expressed relief upon returning home, with many reuniting with family at Ben Gurion Airport after the ordeal.

Netanyahu embraced the passenger hailed as a hero for his actions, commending his bravery in preventing further harm. The passengers, having experienced significant trauma, were eager to leave the terminal after the unusual and frightening events of the flight.