Israeli PM Netanyahu praises Indian flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar for bravery during cockpit attack

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his ldquoextraordinary braveryrdquo in preventing what he described as a potential midair catastrophe after the pilot was allegedly attacked during a flight but continued to act to safeguard passengers and crewIn a statement posted by the Office of the Israeli Prime Minister on social media platform X Netanyahu said Captain Machchhar displayed exceptional courage despite being seriously injured ldquoMy salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary braveryrdquo Netanyahu saidAccording to the Israeli Prime Minister Captain Machchhar was stabbed and seriously wounded during the incident However he fought back resisted the attacker opened the cockpit door and enabled passengers and crew members to overpower the assailant Netanyahu said the pilotrsquos actions prevented what could have become a major aviation disasterldquoHe saved the lives of 174 people including Israeli citizens and other nationalsrdquo the Israeli Prime Minister stated Expressing concern for the injured pilot Netanyahu wished him a ldquospeedy and full recoveryrdquo and described him as ldquoa true herordquo The remarks came amid growing international recognition of Captain Machchharrsquos role in averting the threat aboard flydubai flight FZ1073Joining the praise Israelrsquos Ambassador to Cyprus Reuven Azar also paid tribute to the Indian pilot and the passengers and crew members who helped neutralise the threat In a post on X Azar said he was praying for Captain Machchharrsquos recovery and described him as an experienced and gifted pilotldquoTogether with nations I pray for the life of Captain Smit Machchhar the experienced and gifted hero Indian pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073rdquo Azar wrote The Israeli diplomat said the courage shown by the pilot along with that displayed by Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew members helped save all those on board the aircraftldquoHis courage and the courage of other Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew members saved the lives of 180 soulsrdquo he said Azar also used the occasion to call for unity against terrorism declaring ldquoUnited against terrorismrdquoThe statements from senior Israeli leaders highlight the international attention generated by the incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 and the widespread praise being directed at Captain Machchhar for his actions during the emergencyNetanyahursquos remarks focused on the pilotrsquos role in ensuring that passengers and crew were able to regain control of the situation despite the alleged attack while Azar praised the collective efforts of the pilot passengers and crew in preventing loss of life The messages also underscore the presence of Israeli citizens among those whose lives were allegedly saved during the incidentAs Captain Machchhar continues to receive treatment for his injuries messages of support and appreciation have continued to pour in from across countries with Israeli leaders describing him as a symbol of courage in the face of danger and crediting his actions with preventing a far more serious tragedyThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever