Israel Prepared for Plane Downing, Hijacking During Dubai Flight Scare

Israeli defense officials were on high alert and prepared for multiple catastrophic scenarios, including the potential downing or hijacking of a Flydubai flight carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children, en route to Tel Aviv. The intense uncertainty surrounding flight FZ 1073 prompted the Israeli Air Force to scramble fighter jets towards Jordan, ready to intercept and potentially shoot down the aircraft if it posed an imminent threat, drawing parallels to the 9/11 attacks. This measure was considered to prevent a deliberate crash on Israeli soil, with one source suggesting the co-pilot intended to crash the plane but would have been intercepted.

Further contingency plans involved the possibility of the plane crashing in Jordan or Saudi Arabia, which could have necessitated the deployment of the elite Shaldag unit of the Israeli Air Force. Additionally, the National Counter-Terrorism Unit (YAMAM) was prepared for a potential hijacking scenario. These preparations were discussed in high-level military consultations involving the IDF Chief of Staff, the head of the Operations Directorate, and the head of Military Intelligence.

The crisis was averted thanks to the bravery of four Israeli passengers who subdued the assailant, along with the injured pilot and two foreign pilots, who managed to stabilize the aircraft and land it in Saudi Arabia. The incident began when the co-pilot, identified as being from Oman, allegedly attacked the Indian captain with an emergency axe, an act being investigated as a potential jihadist terror attack by Defense Minister Israel Katz.

The investigation is being led by the Mossad in cooperation with Saudi authorities, with the Shin Bet also involved in interrogating passengers, particularly the four who neutralized the attacker. Military intelligence is also participating in the probe. Despite the severe security incident, Flydubai flights to Israel have resumed, with the company operating the rescue flight as Saudi Arabia did not permit Israeli aircraft to land.

Initial findings suggest the co-pilot used an emergency axe, designed for breaking aircraft windows, to stab the captain. The possibility of Iranian involvement is being examined, though no concrete evidence currently supports this theory.