Israel Considers Bravery Award for Passengers in Dubai Flight Incident

Following a dramatic incident on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Israeli President Isaac Herzog is considering awarding the Presidential Medal of Distinction to four Israeli passengers who helped subdue an attacker. The passengers, Yaniv Hayun, Dr. Shota Musaev, Zvika Mans, and Assaf Radwan, intervened when an assailant attacked the cockpit. The pilot, Smit Machhar, managed to open the cockpit door while fighting the attacker, and Talie Mans, Zvika Mans' wife, alerted others. The four Israelis then assisted in restraining the attacker, with Hayun stabilizing the aircraft's controls. Herzog praised their courage and resourcefulness in a call with them.

In parallel, Israeli airlines are preparing to operate special flights to bring Israelis stranded in the UAE back home. The return of El Al, Israir, and Arkia to Dubai was previously blocked by Israel's Shin Bet security agency due to unmet security demands following Operation "Guardian of the Walls." However, the recent hijacking incident has prompted a shift in the UAE's stance, with authorities expressing willingness to meet Israel's security requirements. This development, discussed between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, could allow Israeli carriers to resume flights to Dubai.

Israeli security personnel are currently in Dubai working with local authorities to finalize the necessary security arrangements. The immediate priority is to repatriate Israelis who were in Dubai or transiting through it on their way from Asia and the East. Once approvals are granted, the scope and schedule of these flights will be determined. Flydubai has suspended its flights to Israel following the incident.