Netanyahu Discusses Flight Attack With UAE President; Israeli Flights Temporarily Approved
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Netanyahu and UAE President bin Zayed discussed flight security after an attack.
- An Israeli passenger helped neutralize the pilot who attacked another pilot.
- The assailant pilot apparently intended to crash the plane.
- Israeli airlines have received temporary approval to fly to the UAE.
- Defense Minister Katz called the incident a jihadist terror attempt.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on Wednesday evening following an attempted terrorist attack on a Flydubai flight. The UAE president initiated the call, inquiring about the passengers' well-being and offering assistance. The leaders discussed flight security and agreed to "sort things out" regarding the incident.
Earlier, Netanyahu stated that one Israeli passenger recounted how he and a crew member managed to enter the cockpit and neutralize the pilot who had stabbed another pilot and apparently attempted to crash the plane. The prime minister added that additional flight crew members entered the cockpit and stabilized the aircraft, praising their courage and resourcefulness in preventing a major disaster. The assailant pilot is currently being interrogated by Saudi authorities, with ongoing communication to ensure passenger safety and their secure return to Israel.
Defense Minister Israel Katz declared the incident a "jihadist terror attempt," attributing its foiling to the bravery of Israeli passengers who entered the cockpit, subdued the attacker, and handed control back to the additional pilots. Initial information suggests the attacker intended to crash the plane.
In parallel, Transportation Minister Miri Regev demanded a halt to Flydubai flights pending an investigation into the security lapse, while also requesting alternative arrangements for Israeli airlines to fly to the UAE to prevent Israelis from being stranded. The Shin Bet has granted temporary approval for several days for Israeli airlines to operate flights to the UAE using chartered aircraft until the investigation concludes. Separately, Gideon Saar spoke with UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah bin Zayed, who is the president's brother. The Foreign Ministry stated that both expressed determination to cooperate against extremist elements threatening regional stability. The Emirati minister expressed relief that all Israeli passengers returned home safely.
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