Society04.10.2026

Smith Macher has received an invitation from Netanyahu to light a torch on Israel’s Independence Day.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Flydubai flight captain Smith Macher to participate in a festive ceremony. The invitation followed an incident aboard the aircraft.

On the evening of October 3, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by phone with Flydubai captain Smith Machhar. The prime minister thanked the pilot for the courage he displayed during an incident aboard a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

During the call, Netanyahu hailed Machhar as a hero of Israel, India and the world. He invited the captain to visit Israel and take part in the country’s Independence Day celebrations. Machhar was also offered the opportunity to light one of the traditional torches at the main ceremony — an honor typically reserved for Israeli citizens.