Israel PM Praises Indian Pilot Smit Macchar, Discusses Ties with Modi
Jerusalem, October 22: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, inviting him to take part in the torch-lighting ceremony at Israel's Independence Day with Indian pilot Captain Smit Macchar. Netanyahu called Macchar a brave Indian pilot who deserves wide recognition.
During the call, both leaders assessed the steady progress in India-Israel bilateral relations and pledged to build on the existing partnership. They also discussed developments in West Asia and emphasised that peace and stability must be restored in the region without delay.
In a post on X, Modi said, 'Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called. We reviewed the ongoing momentum in our bilateral ties and reaffirmed our commitment to strengthening the partnership. We also exchanged views on the latest developments in West Asia and stressed the immediate need to restore peace and stability in the region.'
Netanyahu separately wrote on X that he had spoken with his friend, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and invited him to light the torch with the brave Indian pilot on Israel's Independence Day. He said Modi had thanked him for the invitation and remarked that India and Israel fight terrorism together, on land and in the air. Netanyahu also praised the courageous and long-established relationship between the two countries.
The incident involving Captain Smit Macchar took place on September 30, when a FlyDubai flight bound for Tel Aviv was attacked. Reports say an Omani co-pilot tried to take control of the plane. Macchar, who was seriously injured, fought back and managed to open the cockpit door.
Other crew members and passengers subsequently entered the cockpit and overpowered the attacker, preventing what could have been a major tragedy. More than 170 people were on board.
Earlier, on October 3, Netanyahu had spoken to Captain Macchar on the phone, calling him a true hero of India, Israel and the world. He had also invited Macchar and Prime Minister Modi to light the torch at the next Independence Day ceremony in Israel.
At that time, Netanyahu said, 'I would like to invite you and my dear friend Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light the torch at our next Independence Day celebration. You are a true hero of the brave people of India and Israel, and of the whole world.' He also expressed hope for the pilot's early and complete recovery.
Netanyahu added that such an honour is normally extended to Israeli citizens, but in Macchar's case Israelis would also adopt him. He said that the people of Israel were already embracing the captain and would continue to do so.
After hearing an account of the cockpit events from Macchar, Netanyahu commended his courage and his ability to keep his composure in a crisis. He said the captain had saved the lives of everyone on board and had shown the world what brave pilots and passengers can achieve together.
To close the conversation, Netanyahu again invited Macchar to visit Israel. He said he was eagerly waiting to meet him again and that, under the circumstances, the trip would be memorable and historic.