Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar to visit Israel as a special guest, praising him for helping protect passengers on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
According to reports, the incident occurred on September 30 when the flight’s co-pilot allegedly attempted to hijack the aircraft. Machchhar, who is from Maharashtra, intervened and was reportedly assaulted during the struggle.
Despite sustaining serious injuries, he ensured the safety of everyone on board—180 people in total, including 174 passengers—drawing widespread appreciation internationally.
In a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu described Machchhar as “a true hero” for India and Israel, and said he would like to host him at Israel’s Independence Day celebrations, including an invitation to light a ceremonial torch.
Machchhar thanked Netanyahu and said an Israeli dentist played an important role in saving his life. He expressed eagerness to visit Israel and meet the dentist, while Netanyahu wished him a speedy recovery and said the visit would be memorable and historic.
