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NEWS

Netanyahu calls those who neutralized the Flydubai pilot "heroes"

Updated

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made strong statements on Wednesday, stating that the incident involving the Flydubai flight, which had to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after deviating from its original route between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv, was an "attempted tragedy"

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.AP

According to Netanyahu, one of the pilots of the plane attempted to crash the aircraft.

Netanyahu described the event as a "very serious security incident" and expressed his gratitude to those who, according to him, "prevented a major disaster." Among them, he mentioned several crew members, including the other pilot, and an Israeli passenger with whom he was able to discuss the incident.

In the video, Netanyahu detailed that "almost all passengers on the flight were Israelis". He recounted that, as they approached Israel, "one of the pilots hit the other and apparently tried to crash the plane". The Prime Minister quoted the Israeli passenger, who told him that "the plane started to nosedive." This passenger, along with two crew members and the other pilot, managed to break into the cockpit and attempted to control the aircraft. Netanyahu "saluted these heroes who showed bravery and courage", stating that "they saved many lives" and "prevented a major disaster."

Regarding the post-landing situation, the Israeli leader reported that calm has been restored at the airport in the Saudi city of Tabuk, where the plane landed. He assured that "all passengers have been evacuated from the danger zone" and that "the pilot involved has been detained and is being interrogated". Additionally, he indicated that they are in "close contact" with Saudi authorities to ensure the safety of the passengers and their prompt return to Israel.