According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson’s office, the near-accident happened on September 25 when a Europe-bound British plane took off from Sharm el-Sheikh and shortly afterward, it suddenly strayed north, crossing 13 miles (20 kilometers) into Israeli airspace.
Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that the fighter was an F-16 Hawk, but details regarding the identity of the airliner remain a mystery.
The British plane, that was under the authority of Egyptian air traffic controllers, strayed north into Israeli airspace “without co-ordination or approval.” The Israeli military said Israeli air traffic controllers prevented a collision.
A complaint was filed with the Egyptian civil aviation authority.
With reporting by Matt Molnar
