Secret Protocol Allows PM to Order Passenger Jet Interception

A secret emergency protocol grants the Israeli Prime Minister the authority to order the interception of a passenger plane that threatens to intentionally crash into Israeli territory. This protocol, which is not publicly disclosed, was recently highlighted during an aerial incident over Jordan and Saudi Arabia involving a Flydubai flight.

The protocol involves a tense dilemma: saving civilians on the ground versus firing on a plane full of passengers. If such a situation were to arise, the Prime Minister would face immense pressure and potential accusations of murder, regardless of the decision made.

Under the procedure, an Air Force plane first approaches the hijacked aircraft to visually assess the situation in the cockpit, as pilot communication cannot be fully trusted due to the threat. Simultaneously, another aircraft positions itself to lock onto the passenger plane. The primary goal is to divert the hijacked plane and force it to land.

While attempting diversion, the Air Force rapidly calculates factors such as the plane's speed, the missile's speed, and the momentum of the aircraft, which affects potential ground damage from debris if intercepted. Throughout this process, the Prime Minister is in constant communication with senior Air Force officials.

If calculations confirm with near certainty that the plane will intentionally crash, causing mass casualties on the ground, a coded phrase, PNR (Point of No Return), is announced. At this critical juncture, the Prime Minister must make the agonizing decision to authorize a missile strike, potentially killing everyone on board.

Fortunately, the recent incident did not escalate to this point, as the plane landed in Saudi Arabia without entering Israeli airspace. The article emphasizes that had an interception been necessary, Prime Minister Netanyahu would have faced severe criticism and accusations of murder from various groups, regardless of his choice.