Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praises Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, calling him a “true hero” after Machchhar allegedly helped avert a crash on a Flydubai flight to Israel. Multiple outlets report Netanyahu thanks him for “extraordinary bravery” and for taking action that prevented the aircraft from descending into a crash scenario.
The reports say Machchhar was stabbed during the incident. The Independent and Al Jazeera add that Israel describes him as being stabbed repeatedly while trying to stop the plane from crashing, including by dealing with access to the cockpit. Times of India and India Today likewise focus on Netanyahu’s public salute, describing his recognition of Machchhar’s actions in saving passengers.
While outlets largely agree on the core details—Netanyahu’s praise and Machchhar’s role in preventing a crash—wording differs on specific circumstances, such as whether the immediate threat is described as a co-pilot trying to crash the plane or as a wider effort to stop an impending descent.
Netanyahu’s statements are presented by all sources as a public recognition of Machchhar’s conduct during the flight incident, with his actions credited for saving 174 people onboard.
