Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke Wednesday evening with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed (MBZ), according to The Zioneer. Netanyahu is expected to speak with President Donald Trump soon.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed (MBZ) on Wednesday evening, following the foiled hijacking of a commercial airliner that was carrying Israeli passengers. Netanyahu is expected to speak with U.S. President Donald Trump in the coming hours, according to reports from Channel 14 and other sources.
The incident occurred Wednesday afternoon when a Flydubai flight bound for Israel experienced a sudden and extreme loss of altitude. The aircraft dropped approximately 4,300 meters (14,100 feet) in 29 seconds, according to data cited by journalist Amichai Stein. Passengers on board subdued the pilot after he allegedly attempted to crash the plane. The cockpit rudder was reportedly torn off due to the rapid descent, Dean Fisher of N12 reported. Among the passengers, an Israeli fighter pilot was part of the group that overpowered the hijacker, according to reports. The plane made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, where passengers were examined. Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, Magen David Adom teams reported that no passengers required urgent medical treatment.
As The Zioneer reported earlier this evening, following his conversation with President bin Zayed, Netanyahu stated that Israel would "bring order" to the security situation. The call continues a period of intensive diplomatic coordination among Jerusalem, Abu Dhabi, and Washington. In recent months, Netanyahu and Trump have held discussions regarding the emerging nuclear deal with Iran, as The Zioneer has reported previously.
The expected call with Trump has not yet been confirmed by the Prime Minister's Office, and no details have been released about the content of the conversation with MBZ.
9 developments
- StrongNetanyahu, after call with UAE president, vows to 'bring order' on security
- DevelopingKremlin: Putin speaks with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed by phone
- StrongUAE has not acknowledged Netanyahu's meeting with Mohammed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi
- StrongNetanyahu speaks with Trump, receives update on US moves in the Gulf
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