What happened
A possible hijacking of an Israel-bound passenger jet triggered a major security alert across the region. The incident occurred on Fly Dubai Flight 1073, which was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft transmitted the international emergency code for possible unlawful interference or hijacking, prompting Israel to scramble fighter jets.
According to reports, a violent altercation between the two pilots took place, with one pilot allegedly pulling a knife on the other. The plane lost control, dropping from 33,000 feet to 17,000 feet and circling erratically. Crew members, with the help of Israeli passengers, subdued the pilot and regained control of the aircraft.
The plane eventually landed safely in Saudi Arabia. Israeli officials are investigating the incident, which comes as the country is already on heightened alert due to concerns about potential attacks before the October 27 election.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held urgent consultations with senior security officials and later stated that Israel's enemies should not attempt to attack the country. The incident also comes as the US military has completed its withdrawal from Iraq, raising concerns about the potential for Iranian-backed militias or ISIS to exploit the vacuum in the region.
