Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a conversation with the Indian pilot from the flight from Dubai, Captain Smit Machchhar: "You are a hero for Israel, India, and the entire world. I invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi and you to light a flame on Israeli Independence Day."
During the emotional conversation that took place this evening (Saturday, 3 October 2026), the Prime Minister asked Captain Machchhar how it all started, and Machchhar revealed new details about the terrifying moments in the cockpit.