Netanyahu Holds Emergency Meeting After Flight to Tel Aviv Diverted
A Flydubai passenger jet en route to Tel Aviv was diverted over Jordan, prompting an emergency response from Israeli authorities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting Wednesday morning following the mysterious diversion of a passenger flight bound for Tel Aviv. The Flydubai aircraft, Flight FZ1073, which departed from Dubai, abruptly changed course over Jordan.
Reports indicate the pilot activated a distress code signifying unlawful interference with the flight, a protocol that can be used in suspected hijacking scenarios, according to the Jerusalem Post. In response, the Israel Air Force elevated its alert status and scrambled fighter jets.
At this time, the incident is under investigation, and officials have not ruled out the possibility of a technical malfunction. Three Israeli security officials confirmed to Reuters that Prime Minister Netanyahu is currently engaged in consultations regarding the event. An Israeli source stated the plane was expected to land in Saudi Arabia, which would likely provide further clarity on the situation.