Netanyahu says FlyDubai pilots prevented a "9/11 disaster"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disclosed fresh information regarding a FlyDubai flight en route to Israel, where a pilot initiated a stabbing incident, causing the plane to plummet thousands of feet. Addressing CNN on Wednesday evening, Netanyahu revealed that the victimized Indian pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, unlocked the cockpit following the assault, and a plumber from Israel named Yaniv Hayun entered and discovered the Omani pilot attempting to tamper with the aircraft's controls.

Netanyahu explained that the suspect is currently under interrogation in Saudi Arabia, with the UAE agreeing for Israel's participation in the investigation.

Passengers reportedly overheard shouts and screams coming from the cockpit, and the plumber observed the attacking pilot hovering over the instruments, suggesting he was attempting to disrupt them. The plumber then managed to restrain the aircraft's controls, while another passenger and crew member subdued the attacker, according to Netanyahu. Reserve pilots subsequently arrived to stabilize the plane. Netanyahu mentioned that he met Hayun at the airport, noting that the passenger was drenched in the Indian pilot's blood.

President Trump informed Netanyahu and others about the incident, praising the stabbed pilot as a "hero" for managing to open the cockpit door and commending the plumber's actions. Netanyahu recalled his own experience with hijackings, having been wounded during the 1972 Israeli commando raid that rescued passengers from a hijacked Sabena flight. His brother Yoni lost his life four years later while leading the Entebbe hostage rescue.

Netanyahu emphasized that investigators do not currently possess any specific evidence linking Tehran to this incident. He concluded by stating, "Those pilots managed to prevent a 9/11 disaster, because that's what it looks like was happening."