Israel prepared to shoot down flydubai plane after cockpit attack

Israel was prepared to shoot down a flydubai passenger plane carrying more than 150 Israelis after the captain was attacked in the cockpit, CBS News reported on Tuesday, citing two Israeli sources familiar with the incident.

The sources said Israeli authorities considered the possibility of shooting down the aircraft under a long-standing procedure for dealing with potential 9/11-style attacks involving passenger planes.

Such a decision would ultimately have to be made by the prime minister and would be considered if an aircraft posed a threat to a high-value target.

The Dubai-Tel Aviv flight plunged about 14,000 feet after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to take control of the plane.

Israeli fighter jets were scrambled after authorities were unable to establish contact with the cockpit, while Israeli airspace was closed.

The fighter jets were later recalled after the aircraft turned towards Saudi Arabia, which also deployed fighter jets.

The captain and passengers eventually overpowered the co-pilot, allowing the plane to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.