# Netanyahu Invites Indian Captain to Israel

> Netanyahu names Indian flydubai captain hero for May 2027 Independence Day ceremony.
- Title: Netanyahu Invites Indian Captain to Israel · The Straits Times
- Summary: Netanyahu names Indian flydubai captain hero for May 2027 Independence Day ceremony. Netanyahu invited Indian flydubai captain Smit Machchhar to Israel as…
- Keywords: netanyahu, smit machchhar, flydubai, israel, independence day, narendra modi, uae, news, world, Invites, Indian, Captain
- Source: The Straits Times — https://straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/netanyahu-invites-true-hero-indian-flydubai-captain-to-israel
- Published: 2026-10-03T19:51:09+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: netanyahu, smit machchhar, flydubai, israel, independence day, narendra modi, uae, news, world
## Netanyahu invites captain
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited Indian flydubai captain Smit Machchhar to Israel as guest of honour for his heroic actions during an in-flight attack.
## Captain describes attack
Machchhar said the co-pilot attacked him with an axe after pretending to pray, and he fought back to open the cockpit door and save the plane.
## UAE labels incident
UAE investigators labelled the incident a 'terrorist act', and Netanyahu praised Machchhar as a hero of both India and Israel.
## Netanyahu plans ceremony
Netanyahu planned a joint Independence Day ceremony with Prime Minister Modi for May 2027, saying the role is usually reserved for Israeli citizens.
## Captain's account
Machchhar described how the co-pilot attacked him with an axe after pretending to pray, and he fought back to open the cockpit door and save the plane.
## What happens next
Netanyahu and Modi will light a flame for Israel’s Independence Day in May 2027 as part of the joint ceremony.
## Key takeaway

Netanyahu invited Indian flydubai captain Smit Machchhar to Israel as guest of honour for Independence Day ceremony in May 2027, praising his heroism during an in-flight attack.