Netanyahu Invites Indian PM and Flydubai Pilot to Israel's Independence Day Ceremony

The invitation also extends to Captain Smith Machar, an Indian pilot for the airline Flydubai. According to Cursorinfo, Captain Machar is being recognized for his actions in preventing a terrorist act on Flydubai flight 1073, which was bound for Israel. While Hamal reported that the Indian Prime Minister would light the torch alongside a Flydubai pilot, Cursorinfo noted that Netanyahu's proposal is subject to a special government selection process, meaning the Prime Minister cannot unilaterally determine the final participants.

Netanyahu shared the news on his political account, emphasizing his strong personal relationship with Modi and framing the diplomatic ties as a personal achievement. This announcement follows an explicit political endorsement of Netanyahu by U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of the elections. According to Maariv, Modi did not address the Israeli elections or call for support for the Prime Minister, and his office has not issued an independent statement confirming Netanyahu's account of the conversation.