Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has extended a special invitation to Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot for flydubai, to visit Israel as a guest of honor. The captain is being lauded for his remarkable bravery and quick thinking during a recent flight bound for Tel Aviv, where his decisive actions are credited with saving numerous lives. In a gesture of profound gratitude, Netanyahu expressed his desire for Captain Machchhar to play a central role in Israel’s upcoming Independence Day celebrations next May, an honor typically reserved exclusively for Israeli citizens.

The pilot’s heroism has transcended borders, earning him widespread recognition from both Israeli and Emirati leadership. During a video call with the captain, who is currently recovering in a hospital, Netanyahu praised him as a global hero and a testament to the strong ties between India and Israel. Similarly, in the UAE, the pilot has been visited by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who commended his courage as a source of national pride. High-ranking UAE officials, including presidential adviser Anwar Gargash, have also echoed these sentiments, noting that the captain’s exemplary performance in the face of a crisis deserves the highest level of international acclaim.