Netanyahu Invites Hero Indian Pilot to Israel

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar to Israel as a guest of honour after the flydubai captain recounted how he fought to regain control of the cockpit following an alleged attack by his co-pilot.

Netanyahu said he wanted Machchhar and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a flame at Israel’s national Independence Day ceremony next May. The Israeli premier noted that the honour is traditionally reserved for Israeli citizens.

“You are a true hero of the brave peoples of India and Israel and you are a hero of the entire world,” Netanyahu told the injured captain during a telephone call from hospital, according to a video released by his office.

UAE investigators have said the co-pilot allegedly carried out what they described as a “terrorist act” by attacking Machchhar with an axe.

Recalling the incident, Machchhar said the co-pilot had asked to take time to pray. He said he was looking toward the front of the cockpit out of respect while the co-pilot was praying when he suddenly received several blows to the back of his head.

The pilot initially feared the aircraft had suffered catastrophic damage but soon realised he was being attacked by the co-pilot. Despite his injuries and unclear memory of parts of the incident, Machchhar said he managed to fight his way toward the cockpit door and eventually opened it.

Machchhar said he knew he had to make one final effort to survive, adding that he used all his remaining strength to force the door open, where he found people waiting to help him.