IDF Ordered to Dispatch Planes to Saudi Arabia to Return Passengers; Terror Suspicions Grow

Following the emergency landing of the Flydubai flight in Saudi Arabia after the captain was attacked in the cockpit, the IDF has been instructed to dispatch military aircraft to bring Israeli passengers home. According to ynet, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the mission, while airline El Al offered assistance amid passengers' reluctance to fly back with the foreign carrier.

Meanwhile, according to Arutz Sheva, diplomatic sources said indications are growing that the cockpit assault was an act of terrorism rather than a mental health episode. The report added that crew members who breached the cockpit restored radio contact and regained control of the aircraft, with Israeli authorities awaiting further information from Saudi Arabia.