Gewalttat im Flugzeug: Netanjahu und Modi würdigen angegriffenen Piloten als Helden

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the boldness of the possibly co-pilot who was attacked during a flight to Tel Aviv, calling him a true hero. Despite sustaining severe stab wounds, the Indian captain resisted opening the cockpit door and allowed passengers to overpower the attacker and prevent him from crashing the plane.

Modi praised India's pride in the pilot, stating the man demonstrated immense courage and steadfast determination to protect others' lives amidst grave danger. His heroic actions helped avert a major tragedy, saving the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals. Netanyahu emphasized that the pilot had averted a catastrophe, having saved 174 lives, including Israelis and others.

He wished the man a speedy recovery. The Indian embassy in Saudi Arabia reported the pilot's condition to be stable upon landing at the Saudi Arabian airport where the plane made an emergency landing. The Emirates flight was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the cockpit incident occurred on Wednesday. Israeli officials suspect the attack was a possible jihadist terror plot, but critical questions remain unanswered.

Initial reports suggest one of the pilots attacked his colleague as the aircraft approached Israel in the morning, apparently aiming to crash the plane with passengers on board. A second crew member overpowered the attacker and took control of the plane after landing in Saudi Arabia. Passengers were brought to Tel Aviv on a replacement flight and greeted with cheers.

One passenger reported two miracles: Israeli crew members who entered the cockpit and other pilots who managed to land the plane. Netanyahu met a passenger who entered the cockpit, who claimed the attacker had accessed flight controls and possibly intended to render the aircraft inoperable. Netanyahu later told Fox News that the man's bravery prevented another 9/11-style attack. The US broadcaster cited Netanyahu's remarks as evidence of the extent of the heroism displayed.