World
Netanyahu invites Modi and captain to light Independence Day flame
The Hindu··4 Oct
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Captain Smit Machchhar to light Israel's Independence Day flame in May. Netanyahu called the flydubai pilot a hero after a cockpit attack on a Dubai to Tel Aviv flight. UAE investigators said the co-pilot planned a terrorist act with an axe. Machchhar said blows began while the co-pilot prayed.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Machchhar remains hospitalised after opening the cockpit door so passengers could intervene.
- Netanyahu said the ceremonial flame role is usually reserved for Israeli citizens.
- He invited Modi as one of Israel's key international partners to join the ceremony.
What's Happening
- Netanyahu released video of his telephone conversation with the injured captain.
- Machchhar said he kept facing forward while the co-pilot prayed for about four to five minutes.
- He described repeated blows to his head before he pushed the cockpit door open.
What UAE Investigators Said
- UAE investigators have said the co-pilot planned the terrorist act, Netanyahu's office noted.
- Machchhar said his memory was not entirely clear because of his injury.
- Passengers were waiting outside when he managed to open the door, he told Netanyahu.
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