Netanyahu Cancels Security Tour After Flydubai Flight Diverted to Saudi Arabia

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled a scheduled visit to the Southern Command with Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and Defense Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday following a severe security incident involving a Flydubai flight heading to Israel, which was diverted to Saudi Arabia over suspected pilot action.

The leadership will hold ongoing security discussions throughout the day. Defense establishment officials increasingly assess that the incident may be an act of terror, with Shin Bet teams conducting a deep investigation. Security forces indicate that while no clear indication is confirmed yet, all directions are being actively examined.

The suspicious incident involved a Flydubai flight where the Omani co-pilot reportedly attempted to crash the aircraft while the other pilot intervened. According to an Israeli official, a sky marshal assisted in neutralizing the threat, and additional off-duty pilots on board helped land the plane safely in Saudi Arabia.

Following a joint assessment between the Israel Police and Shin Bet, security personnel will interrogate the passengers upon their return. Netanyahu and Katz ordered the IDF to dispatch military rescue aircraft to bring the passengers back to Israel, while El Al had previously offered assistance for the repatriation.