Israeli PM Netanyahu Invites Pilot Smit Machchhar to Independence Day Event

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited pilot Smit Machchhar to an Independence Day event after Machchhar's actions foiled an attempted plane crash on a flydubai flight.

By RTech News Desk 05 October 2026 2 min read

Summary

On October 3, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited pilot Smit Machchhar to an upcoming Israel Independence Day event. This invitation follows an incident on a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv where the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar, and passengers intervened to prevent an attempted plane crash. Netanyahu hailed Machchhar as a "hero of the entire world," while The Wall Street Journal reported the co-pilot had been banned from flying by Oman due to "radical views." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also invited to the same event.

Key points

Israeli PM Netanyahu invited pilot Smit Machchhar to Israel Independence Day.
Machchhar was hailed as a "hero of the entire world" by Netanyahu.
The invitation follows an incident on a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar, and passengers foiled a crash attempt.
The attacker had been banned from flying by Oman due to "radical views."
Indian PM Narendra Modi also received an invitation to the same event.

Israeli Prime Minister Hails Pilot as 'Hero of Entire World' After Foiled Flight Attack

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has extended an invitation to pilot Smit Machchhar to attend an upcoming Israel Independence Day event, according to reports from NDTV and The Times of India. Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly hailed Machchhar as a "hero of the entire world" following his actions during a recent incident aboard a flydubai flight.

The Times of India also reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the same Independence Day event.

Details of the Incident

The invitation comes in the wake of an incident on a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Reuters reported that during the flight, the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar, who was the pilot in command. Passengers on the aircraft reportedly intervened and foiled an attempt to crash the plane, according to Reuters.

Machchhar himself described the harrowing experience from inside the cockpit, stating that "Blows Kept Coming," NDTV reported.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the attacker, identified as the flydubai co-pilot, had previously been prohibited from flying by Oman due to what were described as "radical views."

Context and Background

Smit Machchhar, a pilot, gained international attention following the attempted take-down of the commercial flight. The route, connecting Dubai in the United Arab Emirates with Tel Aviv in Israel, traverses a busy air corridor. Israel Independence Day is a significant national observance in Israel, commemorating the country's declaration of independence.

The alleged attacker's background, including a reported ban from flying by Omani authorities due to "radical views," adds a layer of concern regarding aviation security and vetting processes for airline personnel, as highlighted by The Wall Street Journal's reporting.

Significance of the Invitation

Prime Minister Netanyahu's public commendation of Machchhar as a "hero of the entire world" underscores the perceived heroism of the pilot's actions in preventing a potential air disaster. The invitation to a national event like Israel Independence Day serves as a significant form of international recognition for Machchhar's bravery and quick thinking.

The reported invitation extended to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside Machchhar also highlights the diplomatic dimension of the incident and the strong ties between India and Israel. Such a joint invitation could be seen as a gesture acknowledging both the individual's courage and the broader international cooperation in addressing security threats.

What Happens Next

Pilot Smit Machchhar is expected to attend the Israel Independence Day event following the invitation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The exact date of the event was not specified in the reports, but it is a key annual observance in Israel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was pilot Smit Machchhar invited to Israel Independence Day?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited Smit Machchhar after his actions during an incident on a flydubai flight. Netanyahu hailed him as a "hero of the entire world" for preventing a potential plane crash.

What happened on the flydubai flight?

During a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, the co-pilot allegedly stabbed pilot Smit Machchhar. Passengers reportedly intervened to foil an attempt to crash the plane.

Who else was invited to the Israel Independence Day event?

In addition to pilot Smit Machchhar, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also received an invitation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to attend the same Independence Day event.

What was the background of the alleged attacker?

The Wall Street Journal reported that the flydubai co-pilot, identified as the attacker, had previously been banned from flying by Oman. This ban was reportedly due to "radical views."