Netanyahu orders security review after aircraft attack involving axe

Government directive

Netanyahu asked Shmuel Ben Ezra, head of the national security council, to appoint a person to conduct a security review of civil aviation to Israel.

Details of the attack

According to reports, a co‑pilot assaulted the pilot with an axe in the cockpit, causing the aircraft to descend rapidly. The United Arab Emirates’ chief prosecutor said the co‑pilot attempted a terrorist attack.

One account describes the flight as a Flydubai service from Dubai to Israel; another account describes a flight from Tel Aviv to Rome that was diverted to the Greek island of Corfu, with passengers evacuated safely.

Political responses

Former transport ministry department head Keren Terner Eyal placed responsibility for the security lapse on transport minister Miri Regev, who denied responsibility. Regev said security for foreign airlines falls under Israel’s foreign and domestic intelligence services.