Netanyahu invites Modi, pilot to light Israel's torch — SkimNews
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- Benjamin Netanyahu invited Narendra Modi to light an Independence Day torch alongside Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, citing their shared fight against terrorism.
- Smit Machchhar fought off a co-pilot during an alleged hijacking attempt on flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, sustaining serious injuries.
- Smit Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door despite his injuries, enabling passengers and crew to subdue the co-pilot and avert a potential catastrophe.
- Flydubai flight FZ1073 made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after the incident, with all 174 passengers eventually reaching Israel safely.
- Isaac Herzog invited Smit Machchhar to Israel to receive the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism earlier in the month.
- Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the invitation, with Modi affirming India and Israel’s joint efforts against terrorism in response.
Why it matters: The joint invitation elevates a single act of aviation heroism into a symbolic diplomatic moment, reinforcing India-Israel ties amid Netanyahu’s re-election campaign and Modi’s active foreign engagement, with Machchhar’s recognition serving as a public anchor for counterterrorism cooperation.
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