CBS, citing two Israeli sources, reports that on Sept. 30 Israeli jets were
scrambled and were prepared to shoot down a Dubai passenger aircraft after an
attempted in-flight attack; the plane reportedly carried more than 150 Israeli
nationals. Israel closed its airspace and set up an emergency command center;
fighters stood down and the shoot-down order was rescinded only after the jet
diverted to Saudi Arabia and was escorted by Saudi fighters. The report says
Israel maintains long-running protocols for 9/11-style threats and the prime
minister has final authority on shoot-down decisions.
