Netanyahu Invites Modi to Light Israel Independence Day Torch

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a ceremonial torch during Israel's Independence Day celebrations. The invitation extends to Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian flydubai pilot who prevented a catastrophic aviation disaster on September 30. Machchhar physically subdued an Omani co-pilot who attempted to seize control of flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, saving over 170 passengers and crew before the aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

During a telephone conversation on October 22, Netanyahu described Machchhar as a "hero of the entire world." In addition to the torch ceremony, Israeli President Isaac Herzog has invited Machchhar to receive the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism. Machchhar is currently receiving medical treatment in Dubai for severe injuries sustained during the cockpit struggle.

Modi and Netanyahu used the call to reaffirm their Special Strategic Partnership and review bilateral ties. Modi emphasized the need for dialogue, diplomacy, and the cessation of hostilities to restore peace and stability in West Asia, stating that India and Israel are fighting together against terrorism "on the ground and in the air."

The diplomatic exchange occurred shortly before Israel's first general elections since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.