Why the Flydubai attack could upend Israeli elections | BBC News

This BBC News video looks at a cockpit attack on Flydubai flight FZ1073, which travelled from Dubai to Tel Aviv and was diverted to Saudi Arabia after one pilot allegedly stabbed the other. Passengers and crew reportedly forced their way into the cockpit, overpowered the alleged attacker and helped bring the plane back under control after a sharp descent. The programme, part of The Global Story, features BBC Middle East correspondent Yolande Knell discussing what is known so far and why a suspected security incident so close to Israel's October elections is significant. Israeli officials are investigating whether the stabbing was an act of terrorism and whether any warning signs were missed.

• Flydubai flight FZ1073 was diverted to Saudi Arabia after a cockpit stabbing, according to the video
• Passengers and crew reportedly overpowered the alleged attacker and helped regain control of the aircraft
• The injured pilot, Capt Smit Machchhar, was hospitalised after landing
• Israeli officials are investigating whether the incident was terrorism

How did the passengers of Flydubai's flight FZ1073 prevent a catastrophe after a cockpit attack? And what does this incident mean for Israel at a politically charged moment? On Wednesday, a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after one pilot allegedly stabbed the other. The aircraft entered a 17,000ft plunge before passengers and crew forced their way into the cockpit, overpowered the alleged attacker and helped bring the plane back under control. The injured pilot, identified as Indian national Capt Smit Machchhar, was taken to hospital after the flight landed and later called a "hero" by the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Now, Israeli officials are investigating whether the stabbing was an act of terrorism – and whether any warning signs were missed. On The Global Story, Tristan Redman speaks to BBC Middle East correspondent Yolande Knell, who explains what we know so far about the Flydubai flight and the significance of a suspected security incident so close to pivotal elections in Israel. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #BBCNews 0:00 Introductions 0:47 Yolande Knell talks us through the situation with flight FZ1073 4:58 What were the passengers' statements? 6:51 What happened to the rudder? 7:53 What was the motive behind the attack? 9:21 What do we know about the Cpt Smit Machchhar? 10:19 What do we know about the co-pilot from Oman? 12:39 Had flight security been spoken about in Israel prior to 30th September? 14:18 Is this a regular flight route? 16:09 Will this affect The UAE and Israeli relations? 18:21 How has this incident affected the Israeli public? 20:13 Will this affect the Israeli October elections?