Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken to Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, praising him as a “hero” of Israel, India and the entire world for helping save an Israel-bound flydubai flight after he was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot.
Machchhar, 38, is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in the UAE after being seriously injured during the incident on Wednesday. During the emotional phone conversation, Netanyahu also invited Machchhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a flame at an Israeli Independence Day ceremony.
Also Read: Mystery pilots who saved FlyDubai flight remain unidentified three days after mid-air attack
“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. So we hope to see you very soon in Israel,” Netanyahu told Machchhar.
The Office of the Prime Minister of Israel said on X: “You are a hero for Israel, India, and the entire world. I invite Prime Minister @NarendraModi and you to light a flame on Israeli Independence Day.”
“During the emotional conversation that took place this evening, the Prime Minister asked Captain Machchhar how it all started, and Machchhar revealed new details about the terrifying moments in the cockpit,” the post said.
