Flight diverted after ‘violent incident’ between pilots

According to Israeli officials, information gathered during the investigation indicates that the co-pilot allegedly attempted to stab the pilot during the flight. An Israeli passenger reportedly intervened and helped restrain the co-pilot.

Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft descended sharply during the incident, dropping about 17,400 feet in just over two minutes at around 1:20 a.m. Eastern Time. The aircraft later transmitted an emergency signal, approximately 12 minutes after the reported descent.

The incident prompted the aircraft to divert from its planned route, while Israeli authorities responded to the emergency.

Israeli fighter jets were reportedly scrambled after the emergency signal was received as authorities sought to assess the situation and ensure the safety of the aircraft.

The incident also prompted a security consultation involving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the country's Defence Minister, reflecting the seriousness with which the authorities were treating the situation.

Israeli officials have described the possibility of a terrorist attack as one line of investigation. However, that remains an investigative assessment and not an established fact.

The circumstances surrounding the reported confrontation between the pilots, including what allegedly led to the incident and the exact actions of those involved, remain subject to further investigation.

Authorities are expected to examine flight data, communications from the aircraft and witness accounts as they establish what happened during the flight.

The incident has also raised questions about aviation security and the procedures used to respond when a serious confrontation occurs inside an aircraft.

For now, the key reported developments are that a flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv experienced a serious incident involving members of its flight crew, the aircraft underwent a significant descent and an emergency response was launched.

Further details are expected as Israeli authorities continue their investigation into the incident and determine whether there was any deliberate security threat.