Watch: Netanyahu invites PM Modi, pilot Machchhar to Israel I-Day
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar to light a flame at Israel's Independence Day event. Machchhar is being honored for his actions in thwarting an attack by his co-pilot on a flydubai flight.
Why it matters
The story highlights a moment of international cooperation and individual heroism that transcends national borders.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar to light a flame at Israel's Independence Day event, calling him a "hero" of Israel, India and the entire world for foiling an alleged attempt to crash an Israel-bound flydubai flight.Netanyahu spoke to the 38-year-old pilot on Saturday while Machchhar was undergoing treatment at a hospital in the UAE. During the emotional conversation, Machchhar recounted how he was attacked by his co-pilot inside the cockpit and revealed new details about the incident."It's our highest honour that we give on our Independence Day. It's usually reserved for Israeli citizens, but I think here in this case, all the citizens of Israel will embrace you. They do now, and they will then too.
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