Netanyahu says passengers stopped ‘another 9/11’ on Dubai-to-Israel flight during cockpit attack

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has revealed how an Israeli plumber, a seriously wounded Indian captain and other passengers helped stop a cockpit attack aboard a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight.

The dramatic incident, which occurred shortly after the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, has drawn attention in the US, with President Donald Trump also praising the passengers’ actions.

Speaking to Sean Hannity, Netanyahu said the passengers believed they were about to die as the aircraft plunged, with as many as 30 children reportedly on board. He said their actions prevented a disaster that “could have been global.”

Israeli plumber helps stop cockpit attack

Netanyahu praised passenger Yaniv Chayon, a plumber who was traveling with his family, for rushing toward the cockpit as the aircraft nosedived.

“He acted with coolness of judgment and heroism,” Netanyahu said, adding that the passengers had helped prevent a disaster that “could have been global.”

According to Netanyahu, the Indian captain was seriously wounded but managed to unlock the cockpit door. This allowed Chayon to enter the cockpit, pull the attacker away from the controls and lift the aircraft’s control stick.

Other passengers and reserve crew members then helped restrain the attacker and stabilize the aircraft.

Netanyahu described the passengers’ actions as “tremendous courage that prevented another 9/11.” His comparison drew a particularly strong connection to the US, as the incident occurred shortly after the anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

Netanyahu also recalled speaking to Chayon’s children about what happened during the frightening plunge. “The kid said, ‘We flew to the ceiling,’” Netanyahu said.

He added that passengers aboard the aircraft had already begun praying because they believed they were going to crash and die. 

“The people were already saying their prayers. They thought they were going to all crash and die. And they were saved,” he said.

Netanyahu investigates possible Iran links

The Israeli prime minister was also asked whether Iran could have been involved in the attack. 

Netanyahu cautioned that it was “too early to say,” but said investigators would examine whether the attacker had any accomplices or links to Iran.

“We'll get to the root of this attacker,” Netanyahu said. His comments come as authorities continue to investigate the incident and the circumstances surrounding the cockpit attack.

The flight later diverted to Saudi Arabia. According to a State Department spokesperson, four Americans were aboard the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight.

The US State Department said it was working with local authorities and was prepared to provide consular assistance to any Americans on board.

The US Embassy and US Consulate in Jeddah were also in contact with local authorities as the investigation continued.

Trump praises passengers’ heroic rescue

Trump also spoke publicly about the dramatic rescue after discussing the incident with Netanyahu.

“I did speak to [Israeli Prime Minister] Bibi [Benjamin] Netanyahu at length about this event,” Trump told reporters during an economic announcement with the commerce secretary.

Trump said the copilot appeared to be “perhaps a whack job” and had stabbed the pilot.

He credited the wounded captain with opening the cockpit door and said the Israeli plumber then pulled the attacker away from his seat before other passengers restrained him. “The passengers got him, grabbed him,” Trump said.

Trump also recounted being told that Chayon pulled up on the controls and helped level the aircraft before other pilots took over. However, he clarified that he had not personally verified every detail.

“Now this is the story that I heard. I don't know if it's true, but that's the story that I got from Bibi,” Trump said. According to Trump, Chayon said that watching “Air Disasters” had helped him understand what to do during the emergency.

“Tell me this is the craziest thing,” Trump said. “I think it's the most amazing story.”

Netanyahu said Trump was “really appreciative” of the heroism shown aboard the aircraft. He described the passengers, including the children, as having faced a disaster of “unbelievable proportions.”

Netanyahu also joked about the incident, telling viewers, “Make sure an Israeli is sitting next to you.”