{
  "id": 11803072,
  "title": "Netanyahu invites ‘true hero’ Indian flydubai captain to Israel",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/netanyahu-invites-true-hero-indian-flydubai-captain-to-israel-11803072",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-03T23:58:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2026/10/04/netanyahu-invites-true-hero-indian-flydubai-captain-to-israel"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "The Israeli prime minister said he wants captain Smit Machchhar to light a flame at a national ceremony for Israel's Independence Day next May.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 7,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Live Mint",
        "title": "‘Proud he is part of our nation's story’: Dubai Crown Prince praises Indian flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar's courage",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/proud-he-is-part-of-our-nations-story-dubai-crown-prince-praises",
        "published": "2026-10-03T15:37:24.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Hindustan Times - World News",
        "title": "‘Utmost respect, awe’: US official praises Smit Machcchar, others who thwarted flydubai ‘crash bid’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/utmost-respect-awe-us-official-praises-smit-machcchar-others-who",
        "published": "2026-10-03T16:59:50.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Arutz Sheva - Israel National News",
        "title": "Netanyahu's surprising invitation to the Indian pilot",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/netanyahus-surprising-invitation-to-the-indian-pilot",
        "published": "2026-10-03T18:02:53.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "Netanyahu invites Indian pilot who saved flydubai flight to Israel",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/netanyahu-invites-indian-pilot-who-saved-flydubai-flight-to-israel",
        "published": "2026-10-03T19:16:37.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar tells Netanyahu what happened inside cockpit: ‘Big blow to my head’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/flydubai-captain-smit-machchhar-tells-netanyahu-what-happened-inside",
        "published": "2026-10-03T20:49:30.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Netanyahu invites ‘true hero’ Indian flydubai captain to Israel",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/netanyahu-invites-true-hero-indian-flydubai-captain-to-israel",
        "published": "2026-10-03T23:58:47.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}