Israeli broadcaster i24 reported Israeli authorities are treating FlyDubai/Dubai
carrier flight FZ1073 as a terror incident. Officials shortly said after the
aircraft entered Jordanian airspace the co-pilot, an Omani national, stabbed the
Emirati captain and tried to forcibly take control. The two pilots were not
Russian and Ukrainian as initially reported. Israeli passengers and crew subdued
the co-pilot after hearing a struggle. His intent — whether to divert to Israel,
crash the aircraft, or carry out a 9/11-style attack — remains unclear; an
Israeli official said it is certain he attempted a hijack and a major disaster
was averted. About 150 Israeli passengers are awaiting repatriation. Prime
Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz canceled trips and are holding
security consultations.
