Flydubai attack feeds Netanyahu’s ‘protector’ line as polls near

A Flydubai flight carrying mostly Israeli passengers was the subject of an apparent attempted hijacking. The chief pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, was stabbed by the co-pilot and the plane began a steep descent. Despite being seriously injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and restrain the attacker. The flight, which had 182 people on board, was diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia for an emergency landing.

The incident has been cited by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a reminder of the constant threat of terror and war that Israelis face. According to Asia Times, Netanyahu released a video warning of attempts to harm Israelis before the incident. The incident comes as Israel prepares to hold elections to the Knesset on October 27.

The elections are seen as a tight race, with Netanyahu's conservative Likud party trailing in the opinion polls. The Indian Express reported that Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving prime minister and is known for his ability to make a political comeback.

Brief written by urgent.news from Asia Times, The Indian Express, The Mainichi — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.