The death toll is expected to rise as the rest of those on board the plane remain missing about six hours after the incident in Muan.

The Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 was returning from Bangkok with 181 people on board when its front landing gear is believed to have malfunctioned.

The procedure comes as the 75-year-old manages multiple crises, including the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip and his own trial for alleged corruption.