Israeli jets came close to opening fire on U.S. airliner

April 12, 2007

Israel Air Force fighter planes scrambled yesterday to intercept a U.S. airliner after it lost communication with air controllers, security officials said.

The passenger plane was flying in from the U.S. when it lost contact. Following anti-terror procedures, two Israeli warplanes intercepted the plane and guided it back over the Mediterranean Sea until communications were restored.

When it was determined that there were no problems on board and the pilot was in control, the plane was allowed to land at Ben-Gurion International Airport, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the incident.

The Israel Air Force planes were close to opening fire on the airliner when it restored contact. The pilot was interrogated after landing.

In 1973, Israel Air Force planes shot down a Libyan passenger plane that strayed over Israeli-controlled territory, killing more than 100 passengers and crew and triggering wide international criticism.