Israeli Passengers Thwart Alleged Terror Attack on Dubai Flight

174 passengers, including 27 children, returned to Israel on Wednesday evening after surviving what is being investigated as a terror attempt on Flydubai flight FZ 1073 en route from Dubai. Some Israelis were initially hesitant to reboard the Emirati airline but were convinced due to a lack of alternatives, as Saudi Arabia reportedly refused to approve an Israeli rescue flight. Upon landing at Ben Gurion Airport, passengers shared dramatic accounts of the ordeal.

One passenger, Daniel Almaliach, described the terrifying moments when the plane rapidly lost altitude, causing widespread panic and screams. She recounted sending farewell messages to her parents, believing they would not survive. The situation became clearer when they realized an Omani pilot was flying the plane, leading to suspicions about the crew. Almaliach praised the Israelis on board for managing the flight "perfectly."

Dr. Musab Shota, a dentist on board, along with three other Israelis, subdued the co-pilot who allegedly stabbed the Indian captain. Shota described the captain's severe injuries and his efforts to stop the bleeding. He stated that they managed to restrain the attacker, who was reportedly cursing and lying on the floor. Shota emphasized that without their intervention, they would not have survived.

Another passenger, Yaniv Hayun, who was the first to confront the attacker, met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon arrival. Hayun recounted how he and others rushed into the cockpit, subdued the assailant who was attempting to sabotage the aircraft's systems, and pulled the controls back to stabilize the plane. The injured captain then regained control and landed the aircraft.

Initial investigations suggest the co-pilot, a 39-year-old Omani national, may have been motivated by jihadism, possibly with Iranian backing, though no definitive proof exists. The weapon used is believed to be an emergency axe from the cockpit. Security checks for all flight crew were reportedly approved by the Mossad. Defense Minister Israel Katz commended the Israeli passengers for their bravery in thwarting the "jihadist attack attempt."