Extended interview: Benjamin Netanyahu discusses alleged pilot stabbing on flight to Israel

Israel plans to enhance security checks on pilots arriving in the country after a co-pilot on a Flydubai flight stabbed the pilot and attempted to crash the plane. The incident, which occurred on a flight from Dubai with 174 passengers mainly Israelis, was defused by passengers. Saudi authorities have arrested and questioned the co-pilot, but the motive remains unclear.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assured that pilots will now be subject to stricter scrutiny, both from Israeli and non-Israeli carriers. Experts say pilots undergo extensive background checks and regular medical and psychological evaluations, but security measures can vary across countries and airlines. In the Middle East, pilots are required to go through similar screenings as passengers, preventing them from carrying weapons.

The European Aviation Safety Agency is responsible for ensuring Flydubai complies with regulations concerning its flight crews and their fitness to fly.