Israel was ready to shoot down Flydubai jet after cockpit attack

Israel was prepared to shoot down a Flydubai flight if it had continued toward Tel Aviv after a cockpit attack caused the aircraft to lose altitude and communication, according to reports. The incident occurred on September 30. The co-pilot, Hammam Al-Hammami, attacked the captain, Smit Machar, causing the plane to drop 16,000 feet in 30 seconds. An emergency signal was sent, and contact was lost, prompting Israel to suspect a hijacking and scramble fighter jets. Israel closed its airspace and established a control center, with jets ready to intercept the aircraft. The plane diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely after passengers and off-duty pilots subdued the attacker.