Benjamin Netanyahu invites pilot Smit Machchhar to Israel Independence Day

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light the ceremonial flame at Israel’s next Independence Day celebrations in May 2027. This invitation follows Machchhar’s heroic actions during a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.

During the flight, the co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national, launched a violent attack on Machchhar in the cockpit. Despite sustaining serious injuries to the back of his head, Machchhar managed to repeatedly open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and subdue the assailant. The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Netanyahu described Machchhar as a “true hero” of India, Israel, and the world, noting that while the honor of lighting the Independence Day flame is typically reserved for Israeli citizens, the nation would embrace him. Machchhar is currently receiving medical treatment in an Emirati hospital.