Delhi/Hyderabad, Oct 4 (Maxim News): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited FlyDubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a ceremonial flame at Israel’s next Independence Day celebrations.
During a telephone conversation on Sunday, Netanyahu praised the Indian pilot for his courage during a mid-air attack. He described Captain Smit as a hero of India, Israel and the entire world.
“Captain, I want to invite you and my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to light a celebratory flame on our next Independence Day. You are a true hero of the brave peoples of India and Israel, and you’re a hero of the entire world,” Netanyahu told the pilot.
The Israeli Prime Minister also wished Captain Smit a speedy and complete recovery.
Netanyahu Praises Pilot’s Courage and Composure
Netanyahu said the honour was usually reserved for Israeli citizens. However, he expressed confidence that the Israeli public would welcome the Indian pilot.
“It’s our highest honour that we give on our Independence Day. It’s usually reserved for Israeli citizens. But I think here in this case, all the citizens of Israel will embrace you,” he said.
The Israeli leader said he was impressed by Captain Smit’s courage and calm judgement under extreme pressure. He added that the pilot’s actions were remarkable and bordered on the miraculous.
Netanyahu also praised the pilot for saving lives and inspiring people across the world.
“You saved so many souls. I think you saved something bigger. You saved the spirit of the world to realise that a brave pilot and brave passengers can overcome this evil, however threatening, however violent,” he said.
During the conversation, Captain Smit reportedly explained how the incident unfolded inside the cockpit. Netanyahu said the pilot’s actions had earned recognition around the world.
The Israeli Prime Minister also conveyed his and his wife’s best wishes to the captain’s family. He urged him to recover quickly and invited him to visit Israel.
“I look forward to seeing you here again. But under the circumstances, I think this will be a memorable and historic visit,” Netanyahu said.
He concluded the conversation by thanking Captain Smit for his actions during the incident.
The invitation would see the Indian pilot join Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony, subject to the final arrangements. Netanyahu described the proposed visit as a potentially historic occasion.
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