Plumber Praised by Trump for Aiding in Dubai Flight Rescue

An Israeli plumber, Yaniv Khayun, was hailed as a hero by U.S. President Donald Trump for his role in subduing a co-pilot who attacked the pilot and attempted to crash a flight from Dubai. Trump recounted the "amazing story" to reporters, stating that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had informed him of the incident. "An Israeli plumber, who has never flown a plane, saw what was happening and went forward," Trump said. "The plane dived sharply, and he managed, despite all odds, to pull the yoke before the plane crashed. When you lift pipes all day, you have to be strong." Trump added, "I don't know if it's true, but that's what Bibi told me."

Following Trump's remarks, the Israeli professional rating website Midrag identified Khayun, noting his high rating as a plumber and humorously suggesting he add airplane navigation to his skills. The website also identified another passenger, insurance agent Assaf Radwan, who helped neutralize the attacker, as also being highly rated. Radwan described the terrifying experience to Channel 12, recalling screams and the plane's sharp descent. He explained how he and four other passengers, including Tzvi M., and Dr. Shota M., entered the cockpit after seeing blood, overpowered the attacker, and helped stabilize the aircraft.

Dr. Shota M. provided medical treatment to the severely injured pilot, helping to stabilize him until the emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Tzvi M. recounted the "horror movie" moments, detailing the struggle to restrain the co-pilot, whom they believed was attempting a terror attack. He described the passengers' fear during the dive and expressed relief at the outcome.

Upon landing in Israel, Khayun met with Prime Minister Netanyahu, who called him a "great hero." Khayun explained his actions, stating he saw the attacker on the instruments and performed a chokehold before pulling him out. He mentioned seeing aviation in "investigation" as his background for understanding the controls. The pilot eventually took back control of the aircraft.

President Isaac Herzog announced his intention to recommend Khayun, Radwan, Tzvi M., and Dr. Shota M. for the "President's Award for Civil Heroism." Herzog also spoke with Tzvi M.'s wife, Tali, and indicated she would also be recommended. The President commended their "unprecedented courage, resourcefulness, and mutual responsibility" and also thanked the Indian pilot, Matichhar, for his actions that enabled the neutralization and saved lives.