Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian pilot Smit Machchhar to participate in Israel’s Independence Day celebrations, praising the pilot for his bravery.
मैंने अपने मित्र, भारत के प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी से बात की और उन्हें इज़राइल के स्वतंत्रता दिवस पर वीर भारतीय पायलट के साथ मशाल प्रज्वलित करने के लिए आमंत्रित किया।
मोदी ने निमंत्रण के लिए मुझे धन्यवाद दिया और कहा कि ज़मीन पर और हवा में, भारत और इज़राइल आतंकवाद के ख़िलाफ़ मिलकर लड़ रहे हैं। उन्होंने हमारे बीच के मज़बूत और वर्षों पुराने संबंधों की भी सराहना की। 🇮🇱🇮🇳
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 22, 2026
Netanyahu revealed that he spoke with Modi and invited him to light a torch alongside Machchhar. He said Modi accepted the invitation with thanks and highlighted the strong counterterrorism partnership between India and Israel.
Received a phone call from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We reviewed the sustained momentum in our bilateral ties and reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthening our partnership.
We also exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia and underscored the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region.
@netanyahu
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 22, 2026
In a post on X, Modi said the two leaders discussed the progress of bilateral relations and reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation. They also exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia and stressed the urgent need to restore regional peace and stability.
Machchhar was seriously injured on September 30 after allegedly being attacked by his co-pilot, an Omani national, with a crash axe aboard a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The aircraft, carrying 174 passengers, reportedly sent emergency signals before descending more than 17,000 feet from an altitude of 34,000 feet. Despite his injuries, Machchhar reportedly made a final attempt to open the cockpit door after noticing the aircraft’s rapid descent.
Following the incident, Netanyahu had praised the pilot as a hero and invited him to light a torch during Israel’s Independence Day celebrations.
