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Netanyahu Invites Flydubai Captain and Rescuers to Light Independence Day Torch
By Drooid · · How we work
Invitation to Light the Independence Day Torch
On October 3, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he would invite the Indian captain of a Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight, Smit Machchhar, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a flame at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony next May—a role traditionally reserved for Israeli citizens. Netanyahu also extended the invitation to four civilian rescuers who helped subdue the co-pilot during the attempted hijacking.
Attempted Hijacking and Rescue
During a flight from Dubai, the co-pilot attacked Machchhar with an axe, allegedly planning a “terrorist act,” according to investigators from the United Arab Emirates. Machchhar recounted that the assailant asked for time to pray before striking, and that repeated blows to his head made him realize the danger was from the co-pilot, not the aircraft. After a struggle, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, while civilian by-standers—including Yaniv Hayoun, a plumber, and Or Fradilov—tied up the attacker with a headset cord. The captain was later transferred to Dubai for medical treatment; the Indian embassy in the UAE reported that he was “recovering well.” The UAE attorney general ordered a team to investigate the incident, and repatriation flights from Dubai were scheduled to begin the following Friday.
Official Reactions
He highlighted the civilian rescuers’ “composure and determination,” framing their actions as a model for public alertness. The Israeli security service Shin Bet was slated to travel to Dubai to assist with the repatriation effort.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You are a true hero of the brave peoples of India and Israel and you are a hero of the entire world,” — Benjamin Netanyahu, prime minister
- “A lot of locals, they do pray, which is not out of the ordinary. While he was praying, out of respect, I was just looking at the front and not at the back,” — Smit Machchhar, wants flydubai captain
- “I had that one last fight left in me,” — Smit Machchhar, wants flydubai captain
- “I tell the citizens of Israel to learn from you, to open their eyes and stay alert. We are in a very sensitive period. Our enemies intend to harm us,” — Benjamin Netanyahu, prime minister