Netanyahu says the Flydubai emergency was far more serious than first reported, alleging that one pilot stabbed the other and then tried to bring the aircraft down with everyone on board.

The Israeli prime minister said the plane entered a spin and began a steep dive before an Israeli passenger and a crew member forced their way into the cockpit and subdued the attacker as he allegedly tried to damage the aircraft’s systems.

More crew members then helped regain control of the plane, Netanyahu said, praising those involved as “heroes” whose actions prevented what he described as a major disaster.

The flight later landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where the suspected attacker was detained. Saudi authorities are questioning him as the motive remains under investigation.