Israeli Consul General hails Mumbai pilot Capt Smit Machhar for bravery on flydubai flight

A grave crisis suddenly arose on a flydubai aircraft, putting the lives of hundreds of innocent people at risk. The courage shown by Captain Smit Machhar, an Indian pilot from Mumbai, is now being praised around the world. Israel has also openly commended him.

Javin Revach, Israel's Consul General for Mid-West India, called Captain Smit a "true superhero". He also described the act as a fine example of the firm friendship between India and Israel. A statement issued by Revach said that what Captain Smit did was not merely a professional duty. It was a sign of genuine friendship and human values towards Israel and its people.

According to the statement, the passengers on the flydubai flight had set out with the hope of meeting their families and with dreams of their own. The sudden danger shook everyone. Without regard for his own life, Captain Smit acted with presence of mind and did not let control of the aircraft slip. Parents, small children and several families came out of a major disaster unharmed. Revach said Mumbai had given Israel a hero whose bravery both countries and history would never forget.

The Israeli envoy expressed strong displeasure over some international media reports after the incident. These reports described the life-threatening episode as a "fight between two pilots". According to Revach, this is a completely false and untrue claim. He said the responsibility of the media is to provide fair and truthful information, but some international reporting showed clear double standards.

Revach also said the co-pilot involved in the attack was a citizen of Oman, which he described as deeply worrying. He said it exposed the true face of the extremist thinking and hatred being spread against Israeli citizens and other innocent people. He said inflammatory propaganda on social media must be countered in time. If this hatred is not stopped now, it could further encourage terrorist tendencies down the line.

India and Israel have fought terrorism shoulder to shoulder for several decades. The two countries face similar challenges in dealing with radical groups and extremist ideas. After the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have both openly praised Captain Smit's courage.

On the investigation, Israeli officials expressed full confidence in the security agencies of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They also hoped that Saudi officials would carry out a transparent and thorough investigation of the entire incident. Revach reiterated that Israel will not bow to terrorism or violence of any kind. The Israeli Consul General will personally travel to Mumbai to meet Captain Smit's family and thank the brave pilot.