Netanyahu praises those who averted disaster on diverted FlyDubai flight

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised those who intervened during a stabbing aboard a Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai flight on Wednesday, saying their actions saved lives and prevented a disaster.

Addressing Israelis after the aircraft landed safely in Saudi Arabia, Netanyahu described the episode as “a very serious security incident” and said all passengers were out of danger.

“I salute these heroes who demonstrated resourcefulness and extraordinary courage,” he said. “They saved many lives and averted a terrible disaster.”

Flydubai flight FZ1073 was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when a violent incident in the cockpit forced it to divert to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Reuters reported that the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and that the aircraft transmitted emergency signals before landing safely. Both pilots were hospitalized, according to the report.

Netanyahu said the pilot responsible for the stabbing had been arrested and was being questioned by Saudi authorities. His statement did not identify the suspect or specify a motive.

The prime minister said Israeli officials were maintaining close contact with the relevant authorities to protect those involved and secure their return to Israel.

“We are maintaining close contact with the relevant authorities to ensure the continued safety of the individuals involved, and to ensure their safe return to Israel,” he said.

The diversion placed Israeli passengers in Saudi Arabia, which has no formal diplomatic relations with Israel, making coordination over their onward travel particularly significant.

Netanyahu also said he had ordered security agencies to prepare for further potential threats, without detailing what those threats might involve.

“I have instructed the security agencies to prepare for other potential threats,” he said, adding that officials were conducting ongoing assessments and would update the public as developments unfolded.