Israeli Prime Minister hails the FlyDubai pilot as a hero of India, Israel and the world for his courage during a mid-air cockpit attack, and wishes him a speedy recovery.
New Delhi, Oct 2026 : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited FlyDubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a ceremonial flame at Israel’s next Independence Day celebration, praising the Indian pilot for his courage in thwarting a mid-air attack.
During a telephone conversation with Machchhar on Sunday, Netanyahu described the captain as a hero of India, Israel and the entire world, acknowledging his actions during the dangerous incident aboard the aircraft.
“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 told the pilot.
The Israeli Prime Minister also wished Machchhar a speedy and complete recovery, recognising the physical and emotional challenges he had endured during the incident.
Netanyahu said the honour of lighting a flame during Israel’s Independence Day ceremony was among the country’s highest recognitions and was generally reserved for Israeli citizens. However, he said the circumstances surrounding Machchhar’s actions warranted an exception.
“It’s our highest honour that we give on our Independence Day. It’s usually reserved for Israeli citizens. But I think here in this case, all the citizens of Israel will embrace you. They do now and they will then too,” he said.
During the conversation, Netanyahu said he was deeply impressed by the pilot’s composure and decision-making under extreme pressure. Machchhar briefed him on how the attack unfolded inside the cockpit, prompting the Israeli leader to praise his response under dangerous conditions.
“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.
The Israeli leader said Machchhar had saved more than the lives of the passengers and crew aboard the aircraft. He argued that the incident demonstrated how courage and determination could overcome acts of violence.
“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, however threatening, however violent,” Netanyahu said, adding that the pilot’s actions were being rightly praised around the world.
Reiterating his admiration, Netanyahu said Machchhar was a hero of Israel, India and the international community.
The Israeli Prime Minister also conveyed his personal regards to the captain’s family, asking him to pass on his and his wife’s best wishes to Machchhar’s wife. He encouraged the pilot to focus on his recovery and return to good health as soon as possible.
Towards the end of the conversation, Netanyahu renewed his invitation, expressing hope that Machchhar would visit Israel soon.
“I look forward to seeing you here again. But under the circumstances, I think this will be a memorable and historic visit,” he said.
Netanyahu concluded the conversation by thanking the captain for his actions, which he said had demonstrated extraordinary courage in the face of danger.
