Netanyahu invites Modi, Smit to light Israel’s I-Day torch

New Delhi (TIP): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a ceremonial torch at Israel’s Independence Day celebrations alongside Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who was seriously injured while thwarting an alleged attack aboard a Dubai-Tel Aviv flydubai flight.
Netanyahu reiterated the invitation during a phone conversation with Modi as the two leaders reviewed bilateral ties and discussed the need to restore peace and stability in West Asia.
Machchhar, a flydubai captain, came into the spotlight after an alleged attack by his co-pilot aboard flight FZ1073 on September 30. The aircraft, travelling from Dubai to Israel, reportedly lost altitude sharply during the incident before making an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The episode is under investigation by the authorities concerned.
According to reports, Machchhar was attacked inside the cockpit and sustained serious injuries. Despite being hurt, he managed to reach and open the cockpit door, enabling others to intervene. Other crew members and off-duty pilots helped bring the situation under control.
Netanyahu had first extended the invitation earlier this month, describing Machchhar as a hero of India, Israel and the wider world. He invited Modi to join the pilot in lighting the ceremonial flame, an honour traditionally associated with Israel’s Independence Day celebrations. The final selection of torch-lighters is, however, subject to Israel’s established process.