Netanyahu hails stabbed Indian pilot of flydubai plane

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for preventing a potential plane crash on a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv. The incident occurred on Wednesday when Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot during an alleged attempt to crash the aircraft. The plane diverted safely to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia after a struggle ensued between passengers, crew, and flydubai pilots onboard.

Machchhar, who hailed from Mumbai, sustained injuries and required surgery following the incident. He is currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and is reported to be stable. Indian authorities in Saudi Arabia are providing support to Machchhar and his family.

Israeli officials stated that the passengers and crew managed to overpower the co-pilot, enabling two additional flydubai pilots to land the plane safely in Tabuk. All 174 people on board, including Israeli citizens and other nationalities, were reported safe. Flydubai suspended flights to and from Israel while investigations were conducted.

Netanyahu described the incident as a "severely severe security incident" and mentioned that Saudi authorities would interrogate the co-pilot involved in the altercation.