IDF Reviews Near‑Hijack Incident as Aircraft Touches Down in Saudi

Following an unexpected landing of an Israeli‑operated jet at Tabuk Airport, the Israel Defense Forces have launched a detailed review of what officials describe as a “near‑hijack” episode. The flight, en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, carried more than 150 passengers and sent a 7700 emergency code within minutes of take‑off.

A fleeting 7500 code, commonly linked to hijacking, also appeared on some monitoring sites, but the IDF has not confirmed an actual hijack attempt. Israeli security sources say a disagreement inside the cockpit forced the crew to declare an illegal interference alert.

A high‑level meeting chaired by Lieutenant General Ayal Jamir included senior Air Force leaders such as Major General Omar Tishler, Operations Chief Major General Itzik Cohen, and Intelligence Head Major General Shlomi Binder. The gathering assessed communications, the decision to divert, and the rapid response of fighter jets that escorted the aircraft to Saudi territory.

The incident led to a temporary closure of Israeli airspace, which was reopened after the aircraft’s safe arrival in Tabuk.