Israel: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery in preventing a potential mid-air catastrophe after the pilot was allegedly attacked during a flight but continued to act to safeguard passengers and crew.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised his commitment and valor to save the lives of the passengers. Captain Smit Machchhar’s bravery is a pride movement for Indians.

US President Trump also praised Captain Smit Machchhar’s courage and his commitment for his duty to safe land the passengers.

Israel PMO in its official twitter x post said that PM Netanyahu said Captain Machchhar displayed exceptional courage despite being seriously injured. My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery, he said.

Captain Machchhar was stabbed and seriously wounded during the incident. However, he fought back, resisted the attacker, and opened the cockpit door and enabled passengers and crew members to overpower the assailant, said in his twitter x.

Netanyahu said the pilot’s actions prevented what could have become a major aviation disaster. He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals, he stated. Expressing concern for the injured pilot, Netanyahu wished him a speedy and full recovery and described him as a true hero.

The remarks came amid growing international recognition of Captain Machchhar’s role in averting the threat aboard flydubai flight FZ1073. Israel’s Ambassador to Cyprus, Reuven Azar, also paid tribute to the Indian pilot and the passengers and crew members who helped neutralize the threat.

The Israeli diplomat said the courage shown by the pilot, along with that displayed by Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew members, helped save all those on board the aircraft. His courage and the courage of other Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew members saved the lives of 180 souls, he added.

Netanyahu’s remarks focused on the pilot’s role in ensuring that passengers and crew were able to regain control of the situation despite the alleged attack, while Azar praised the collective efforts of the pilot, passengers and crew in preventing loss of life.

The messages also underscore the presence of Israeli citizens among those whose lives were allegedly saved during the incident.

As Captain Machchhar continues to receive treatment for his injuries, messages of support and appreciation have continued to pour in from across countries.