Former Israeli PM Praises Passengers for Foiling Alleged Cockpit Attack
Naftali Bennett lauded the 'heroism' of passengers and crew who intervened when a co-pilot allegedly attacked the pilot on a flight to Israel, forcing an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett attributed the thwarting of a potential terrorist incident on an Israel-bound flight to the "heroism" of passengers and crew. The flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the pilot with a pocketknife, causing the plane to nosedive.
"This wasn't a miracle, it was an act of heroism by the passengers and of the Emirati crew," Bennett stated in an interview. "It's people who saved the day, people who showed courage, who didn't stand passively but took action, and I'm so darn proud to be Israeli today."
According to Bennett, citing Israeli authorities, several passengers intervened by entering the cockpit, subduing the alleged attacker, and allowing the flight's second crew to take control. Graphic footage showed the injured pilot.
Saudi authorities allowed the plane to land and provided care for those on board. The passengers eventually arrived at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also commended the passengers for their bravery, stating that the accused pilot was arrested and being questioned by Saudi authorities.