Netanyahu Praises Indian Pilot Who Thwarted Dubai Flight Attack

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a moving conversation with Captain Smith Macher, the Indian pilot of a Flydubai flight, commending his exceptional bravery in thwarting an attack that saved numerous lives. During the call, Netanyahu inquired about Macher's well-being, to which the pilot responded he was recovering. Netanyahu lauded Macher as a "true hero of the brave peoples of India and Israel, and a hero of the entire world."

Captain Macher recounted the dramatic events that unfolded in the cockpit, describing how a routine flight turned terrifying when his co-pilot attacked him from behind. Initially thinking the aircraft was damaged, Macher realized the assault was coming from his colleague. Despite blurred vision from the blows, he fought back on the cockpit floor, hearing the wind and screaming passengers. He managed to reach the cockpit door and open it, allowing others to intervene and take control of the plane.

Macher explained that the cockpit door, which normally requires a code to open from the outside, was blocked by the attacker. The only way to open it was by turning a handle, which he successfully did. Netanyahu described the incident as a "twist of fate and twist of faith," calling Macher's actions extraordinary. He also noted that Israeli passengers had reported on the events and praised Macher and the brave passengers for overcoming the "evil."

In a significant gesture, Prime Minister Netanyahu invited Captain Macher and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a torch at Israel's upcoming Independence Day ceremony, an honor typically reserved for Israeli citizens. Netanyahu also mentioned an Israeli dentist who treated Macher after the incident, with Macher expressing gratitude and a desire to meet him. The Prime Minister conveyed warm regards from himself and his wife to Macher's family and extended an invitation for Macher, his wife, and children to visit the Prime Minister's office on their next trip to Israel.