Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and pilot Smit Machchhar to participate in Israel’s Independence Day ceremony, calling the pilot a 'hero of the entire world.' The invitation follows Machchhar’s account of a cockpit attack on a Flydubai flight en route to Tel Aviv, where he was allegedly assaulted by his co-pilot with a crash axe.

Machchhar, who was hospitalized in the UAE after the incident, recounted the attack to Netanyahu during a conversation on Saturday. He described how the co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national, began praying before launching a violent assault. Machchhar said he kept his gaze forward out of respect, only to be struck repeatedly in the back of his head. He managed to open the cockpit door despite his injuries, allowing passengers and crew to intervene and prevent further harm. The aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after descending over 17,000 feet.

Netanyahu praised Machchhar’s actions, calling him a 'hero of Israel, India, and the entire world.' The Israeli PM’s office confirmed the invitation to Modi and Machchhar to light the Independence Day flame, an honor typically reserved for Israeli citizens. The ceremony, held at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, marks the start of Israel’s annual Independence Day celebrations and has been held since 1950. Netanyahu emphasized that Machchhar’s actions during the attack warranted the recognition.

UAE authorities have classified the incident as an attempted terrorist attack, with prosecutors stating that the co-pilot sought to seize control of the aircraft. The co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, remains under investigation. Machchhar is currently receiving treatment in Abu Dhabi following the attack. The incident has sparked international attention, with media outlets highlighting the pilot’s bravery and the broader implications of the attack.

The invitation to Modi and Machchhar represents a rare diplomatic gesture, underscoring the significance of the pilot’s actions. Netanyahu’s remarks reflect both personal admiration and a broader acknowledgment of the incident’s global impact. The event is scheduled for next year, with details about the exact date yet to be confirmed. The pilot’s participation would mark a historic moment, bringing together two leaders and a civilian hero in a shared moment of recognition.