Israel readied to down flydubai jet after cockpit attack

Israel was prepared to shoot down a flydubai aircraft after the captain was attacked in the cockpit, according to a CBS News report citing Israeli sources. The plane was heading toward Tel Aviv on September 30. The Israeli Air Force scrambled fighter jets and closed its airspace after the plane plunged 14,000 feet and cockpit contact failed. The jets were recalled when the aircraft turned toward Saudi Arabia, which also scrambled its own fighters. The co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar, who sustained severe injuries but unlocked the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to subdue the attacker. Two off-duty pilots diverted the plane to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.