Former Israeli PM hails ‘heroism’ after passengers help thwart alleged cockpit attack
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett credited the quick-thinking actions of passengers and crew for thwarting what officials are investigating as a possible terrorist attack Wednesday after an alleged cockpit stabbing sent an Israel-bound passenger plane into a nosedive.
"This wasn't a miracle. It was an act of heroism by the passengers and of the Emirati crew," Bennett told "The Faulkner Focus."
"It's people who saved the day, people who showed courage, who didn't stand passively but took action, and I'm so darn proud to be Israeli today."
The original flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia, where the passengers were transferred to another plane. Those who were aboard during the incident later arrived at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv.
Bennett thanked Saudi authorities for allowing the aircraft to make an emergency landing and caring for those on board while they were on the ground.
Though details are still emerging, Bennett cited Israeli authorities in detailing that the flight was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot allegedly attacked the pilot with a pocketknife and tried to bring down the aircraft, sending it into a steep descent.
That's when, Bennett said, Israeli passengers sprang into action.
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"A couple of passengers, Israeli citizens, jumped into the cockpit," he said. "They took over the alleged terrorist, pulled him out, and they sent in the second crew that was [on] standby."
The attacked pilot can be seen bleeding and wearing an oxygen mask while lying on his back in graphic footage from the incident. Saudi Arabia's Tabuk Airport said both pilots were hospitalized with injuries, according to Reuters.
Israeli officials are investigating whether the incident was an attempted terrorist attack.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the incident Wednesday, praising those who jumped into action.
"I salute the heroes who showed extraordinary bravery and, according to the passenger's account, saved many lives," Netanyahu said, according to an unofficial translation of his remarks.
He added that the pilot accused of carrying out the stabbing had been arrested and was being questioned by Saudi authorities.
Fox News' Bradford Betz contributed to this report.