Israel's prime minister praised Indian pilot Smit Machchhar after he helped stop an alleged cockpit attack on a flydubai flight to Tel Aviv. The episode is being probed as a possible terrorist act and has sparked international praise for the crew and passengers.

Netanyahu invites Captain Smit Machchhar and PM Modi to Israel’s Independence Day event after the Indian pilot helped save Flydubai Flight FZ1073.

Machchhar, a pilot with flydubai, was injured while operating flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Israel on Wednesday. Following his hospital visit, Hamdan praised the Indian pilot for his bravery, sense of responsibility and concern for the safety of others.

He also said that he recites the Hanuman Chalisa in times of difficulty and that Lord Hanuman gave him courage. He told Modi he was his biggest idol, that he had never imagined getting the chance to speak to him, and that he expected to make a full recovery.