Netanyahu invites ‘true hero’ Indian flydubai captain to Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of a flydubai flight that was targeted by an axe attack, to attend a national ceremony in Israel as a guest of honor. The incident occurred on a Tel Aviv-bound flight, and Machchhar described how he thwarted the terrorist threat. The attack was carried out by the co-pilot, who sought time to pray, prompting Machchhar to intervene.

Despite being hospitalized, Machchhar recounted his actions, stating that he opened the cockpit door and awaited assistance from the crew. He expressed gratitude for the support he received and emphasized that his actions were driven by a last remaining instinct to protect the aircraft. Netanyahu called Machchhar a "true hero" and invited both Modi and himself to light a flame at an Independence Day ceremony, a gesture typically reserved for Israeli citizens, underscoring the universal admiration for Machchhar's bravery.