Heroic Passengers Prevent Potential Plane Attack

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett expressed gratitude towards quick-thinking passengers and crew after a cockpit incident involving a mid-air stabbing. Authorities are investigating this as a potential terrorist attack. The flight, bound for Israel, nosedived after a co-pilot allegedly attacked the pilot with a knife.

“This wasn’t a miracle, it was an act of heroism by the passengers and the Emirati crew,” Bennett stated on “The Faulkner Focus.” He applauded the courageous actions of those on board. Bennett remarked, “People saved the day by taking action, and I am proud to be Israeli.”

The flight, originally from Dubai to Tel Aviv, made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Bennett thanked Saudi authorities for their assistance during the emergency. Passengers were transferred to another plane and safely reached Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv.

Bennett highlighted the bold response of Israeli passengers who intervened in the cockpit. He recounted, “A couple of passengers, Israeli citizens, jumped into the cockpit. They subdued the alleged terrorist, pulled him out, and allowed a standby crew to take over.”

Graphic footage from the incident showed the injured pilot bleeding and wearing an oxygen mask. The pilots were hospitalized in Saudi Arabia. Israeli officials are investigating if this was an attempted terrorist act.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised those who acted bravely. “I salute the heroes who showed extraordinary bravery and, according to the passenger’s account, saved many lives,” Netanyahu remarked. The pilot accused of the stabbing has been arrested and questioned by Saudi authorities.