Netanyahu Praises Israeli Passenger Who Foiled Dubai Flight Attack

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded an Israeli passenger, Yaniv, who helped thwart an attempted hijacking on a Flydubai flight en route to Israel. Speaking to Fox News, Netanyahu recounted meeting Yaniv, who explained his actions were driven by the need to protect his family aboard the plane. The prime minister described Yaniv's bravery in confronting the co-pilot, who had attacked the captain, causing the aircraft carrying 174 passengers to lose altitude. Netanyahu stated that Yaniv's courage prevented a potential 'another 9/11'.

Netanyahu detailed how the injured Indian captain managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing Yaniv, who rushed from seat 16, to enter. Yaniv then engaged the co-pilot, pushed him away from the controls, and took hold of the aircraft's yoke while other passengers and crew subdued the attacker and stabilized the plane. The prime minister also mentioned discussing the incident with U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed his appreciation.

Regarding potential Iranian involvement, Netanyahu stated that the investigation is ongoing and it is too early to determine. The co-pilot is currently being questioned in Saudi Arabia and is expected to be transferred to the UAE, his point of origin or departure. In a separate matter, Netanyahu criticized the British government's response to Israeli intelligence about an Iran-backed attack near RAF Fairford. He expressed dismay that after providing intelligence, Britain imposed sanctions on Israel, which he characterized as a dangerous capitulation to an 'Islamist-Marxist alliance'.