PM Netanyahu says it's 'Too early to say,' if Iran was involved in the flight FZ1073 hijacking | LIVE BLOG
PM Netanyahu told Fox News that the attacking pilot is now being investigated in Saudi Arabia, and may be taken to the UAE; 'We will be following and possibly also participating in this investigation'
Israel is treating the incident on the Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv as a "terror incident." According to Israeli officials, shortly after entering Jordanian airspace, an Omani co-pilot stabbed the Indian pilot and attempted to take control of the plane by force. During the altercation, the pilot transmitted a general emergency signal and then another emergency signal that indicated possible hijacking, as the aircraft was diverted towards Saudi Arabia and plunged 14,000 feet (approximately 4,200 meters) in a single minute. Israeli passengers and the flight crew who heard the altercation coming from the cockpit managed to subdue the co-pilot and managed to land the plane in Saudi Arabia.
Flydubai sent an alternate plane with crew members approved by Israel’s Mossad. All of the passengers safely arrived at Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel Wednesday early evening. As a result of the attack, Flydubai announced that all of their flights to and from Israel are suspended while the investigation into today’s attempted hijacking continues. READ MORE FROM WEDNESDAY
India’s prime minister hails Indian Flydubai pilot as a hero for sending distress signals despite being stabbed
In a post on X, Indian PM Narendra Modi called Captain Smit Machchhar a "HERO."
The Prime Minister went on to say, "In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others. His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy."
Modi concluded by saying India was proud of the captain and that he prayed for his "speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health."
https://x.com/i/web/status/2105469867390554194
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Rubio orders Iranian UN delegation to leave US after talks stall - report
Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly demanded Monday that Iran's delegation to the UN General Assembly, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, immediately leave the United States after negotiations stalled, according to Axios, which cited a US official and a second source.
"Secretary Rubio kicked out the Iranian delegation who had overstayed their welcome. The UN General Assembly was over, so it was time for them to go," the US official said.
The delegation left Tuesday night but a second source said Araghchi had already been scheduled to return to Tehran that night regardless.
According to a US State Department spokesperson, four Americans were aboard flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv
“We are working with local authorities and stand ready to provide consular assistance to any and all Americans aboard the flight," the spokesperson said.
The US Embassy and the US Consulate in Jeddah “maintain ongoing communication with local authorities as they conduct their investigation," said the spokesperson, who added, “The Trump Administration takes seriously our commitment to Americans abroad and stands ready to provide consular assistance.”