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

The Continental 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, Channel 10 TV reported.

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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.

Israeli media reported late yesterday that the Israel Air Force planes were close to opening fire on the airliner when it restored contact. The pilot was interrogated after landing.

The Transportation Ministry said it was investigating whether there was a technical reason for the initial lack of communication between the plane and Israeli ground control.

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.