Netanyahu invites Captain Smit Machchhar and PM Narendra Modi to light a celebratory flame at Israel’s next Independence Day ceremony, calling the Indian pilot a global hero.
Jerusalem, Oct 2026 : Israel’s Foreign Ministry has praised Israelis, Emiratis and Indians for displaying extraordinary courage and standing together against terrorism during an alleged attack aboard a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv earlier this week.
In a post on social media platform X on Sunday, the Ministry said the incident was not merely an attack on Israelis but also an attempt to undermine relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as well as the principles represented by the Abraham Accords.
“The terror attack on the Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv was more than an attack on Israelis. It was an attack on Israel–UAE relations and everything the Abraham Accords represent,” the Ministry said.
It added that the incident had instead demonstrated solidarity among people from the three countries, with passengers and crew members displaying courage in confronting the threat.
“Terror will not derail the progress transforming our region,” the Ministry said, reaffirming Israel’s resolve to continue pursuing regional cooperation despite security challenges.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in Israel’s next Independence Day ceremony by lighting a celebratory flame, one of the country’s highest honours.
During a telephone conversation with Machchhar, Netanyahu described the Indian pilot as a hero whose actions had earned admiration in Israel and beyond.
“Captain, I want to invite you and my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to light a celebratory flame on our next Independence Day. You are a true hero of the brave peoples of India and Israel, and you're a hero of the entire world,” Netanyahu said.
He also wished the pilot a speedy and complete recovery following the incident.
Netanyahu noted that the honour is generally reserved for Israeli citizens but said Machchhar’s courage had earned him widespread affection among Israelis.
The Israeli Prime Minister said he was deeply impressed by the pilot’s composure and judgment after hearing his account of how the alleged attack unfolded inside the cockpit.
“I’m amazed at your courage, at your coolness of judgment under impossible conditions,” Netanyahu said, describing the pilot’s actions as remarkable and bordering on the miraculous.
He added that Machchhar had helped save not only the lives of passengers and crew but also demonstrated how courage and collective action could overcome violence and intimidation.
“You saved so many souls. I think you saved something bigger. You saved the spirit of the world to realise that a brave pilot and brave passengers can overcome this evil,” Netanyahu said.
The Israeli leader added that the pilot’s actions were being rightly recognised internationally, highlighting the significance of cooperation and solidarity in confronting terrorism.
