Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday (September 30) that a pilot stabbed another pilot during a flight from Dubai to Israel and apparently attempted to crash the aircraft.

Netanyahu said a passenger told him that the plane entered a tailspin and began to dive as it approached Israel, but an Israeli passenger and a crew member managed to break into the cockpit and restrain the stabbing pilot while other crew members stabilised the aircraft.

The plane landed safely at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia, Netanyahu said, adding that all passengers were safe and the pilot had been arrested and was being questioned by Saudi authorities.

Netanyahu said Israel was in contact with the relevant authorities to ensure the passengers' safe return home and had instructed the security establishment to prepare for potential additional threats.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

UNKNOWN LOCATION (SEPTEMBER 30, 2026) (PMO - Access all)

1. (SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER'S BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, SAYING:

"Citizens of Israel. This morning, there was a highly severe security incident on a flight from Dubai to Israel. Almost all the passengers on the flight were Israelis. During the flight, as they approached the country, one of the pilots stabbed the other pilot; he apparently tried to crash the plane with its passengers."

2. WHITE FLASH

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER'S BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, SAYING:

"I spoke with one of the Israeli passengers. He told me that the plane entered a tailspin and began to dive. He told me that against all odds, he managed to break into the cockpit along with one of the crew members, and together they neutralized the stabbing pilot while he was trying to sabotage the plane's systems. Additional flight crew on board entered the cockpit and managed to stabilize the aircraft. I salute these heroes who showed exceptional resourcefulness and courage. They saved many lives; they prevented a heavy disaster."

4. WHITE FLASH

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER'S BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, SAYING:

"The plane landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, and all passengers are out of harm's way. The stabbing pilot has been arrested. He is currently being interrogated by the Saudi authorities. We are maintaining continuous contact with the relevant authorities to ensure the ongoing safety of the passengers and to guarantee their prompt return home. I have instructed the security establishment to prepare for additional potential threats. We are conducting ongoing assessments of the situation and will update you according to developments."