Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to join Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar in lighting a ceremonial torch at Israel’s Independence Day celebrations, recognising the pilot’s actions during an attack aboard a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.

Netanyahu announced the invitation on Thursday after speaking with Modi by phone. The gesture honours Machchhar, a Gujarat-born flydubai captain who was seriously injured in late September when his Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked him inside the cockpit. His efforts to regain control and open the cockpit door allowed others to intervene and restrain the attacker, averting a potentially catastrophic incident.

In a post on X, Netanyahu said Modi had welcomed the invitation and highlighted the shared commitment of India and Israel to combating terrorism. He also shared a photograph of himself embracing the Indian Prime Minister.

“Modi thanked me for the invitation and said that on land and in the air, India and Israel are fighting terrorism together. He also commended the strong and decades-old ties between us,” Netanyahu wrote.

The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the conversation but did not refer to the invitation. According to the PMO, the two leaders discussed recent developments in West Asia and stressed the need to restore peace and stability. Modi reiterated India's position that dialogue and diplomacy were essential to resolving regional tensions.

How Captain Smit Machchhar prevented a potential disaster

The incident took place in late September aboard a flydubai aircraft travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Machchhar suffered serious injuries after his co-pilot allegedly attacked him in the cockpit, reportedly using an axe.

During a subsequent conversation with Netanyahu, the Indian captain recounted how the confrontation began. He said the co-pilot had asked to pray, prompting him to look towards the front of the aircraft as a mark of respect. He was then struck hard on the back of his head.

Machchhar initially thought there might be a problem with the aircraft, but soon realised he was under attack. As the plane began descending sharply, he attempted to defend himself and gain access to the cockpit door.

Despite his injuries and impaired vision, the captain managed to open the door, enabling passengers and crew members to enter and overpower the attacker. The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

There were 174 passengers aboard the flight, most of them Israeli citizens.

Modi, Netanyahu praise pilot's courage

Modi had spoken to Machchhar over a video call on October 2, commending his composure and quick decisions during the emergency.

The Prime Minister told the captain that his actions had helped save numerous lives, praising the instinct to protect others even while facing a serious threat.

“You have taken so many decisions in a fraction of a second. And you have saved the lives of so many people,” Modi said, adding that Indians could take pride in being people who save lives rather than take them.

Netanyahu had also publicly lauded Machchhar, describing him as a hero whose resistance enabled those on board to intervene and prevent a mid-air catastrophe.

The proposed torch-lighting ceremony would offer another public recognition of the captain's actions. The event is a major feature of Israel's Independence Day celebrations, with the honour traditionally given to Israeli citizens. Netanyahu's invitation to an Indian national therefore carries particular significance as a gesture of appreciation for Machchhar's bravery and the close ties between the two countries.