Passengers Stopped Possible Terror Attack Mid-Flight Over Israel

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett gave credit to quick-thinking passengers and crew for stopping what officials are now investigating as a possible terrorist attack on Wednesday. An alleged stabbing in the cockpit sent an Israel-bound plane into a steep nosedive before it was saved.

Bennett told "The Faulkner Focus" that the outcome was not a miracle but rather an act of heroism by everyone on board. He noted that people saved the day, showed courage, and chose to take action instead of standing passively. Bennett expressed deep pride in being Israeli today after such bravery unfolded mid-flight.

The flight originally headed for Tel Aviv from Dubai before diverting to Saudi Arabia. Passengers were transferred there and later arrived at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv. Bennett thanked Saudi authorities for allowing the emergency landing and for caring for those on board while they waited on the ground.

Details are still emerging, but Israeli officials say the co-pilot allegedly attacked the pilot with a pocketknife. The attacker tried to bring down the aircraft, forcing it into a dangerous descent before passengers could intervene.

A couple of Israeli citizens jumped into the cockpit and took control of the alleged terrorist. They pulled him out and brought in a second standby crew member. Both pilots were hospitalized with injuries according to Reuters reporting from Saudi Arabia's Tabuk Airport. Graphic footage showed the attacked pilot bleeding while wearing an oxygen mask as he lay on his back.

Saudi authorities have arrested the accused co-pilot and are questioning him. Israeli officials continue to investigate whether this was indeed an attempted terrorist attack.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the incident Wednesday, saluting those who showed extraordinary bravery. According to an unofficial translation of his remarks, many lives were saved thanks to their courage. He confirmed that the pilot accused of carrying out the stabbing had been arrested and is being questioned by Saudi authorities.