You're a hero: PM Netanyahu invites hero flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar to Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken to Indian flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and invited him to light a torch at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony, praising his courage during the cockpit attack.

“You are a hero for Israel, India and the entire world. I invite you to light a torch at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony,” Netanyahu



told him.

A video of the interaction was posted on X by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office.

Machchhar is recovering in Abu Dhabi after being severely injured by his Omani co-pilot aboard Wednesday’s Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. During the conversation, he recounted how he opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene.