Israel Hails Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar | ‘Courage Defeated Terrorism’ | Flydubai FZ1073 | News18

Israel’s Ambassador to India Reuven Azar has praised Captain Smit Machchhar and the passengers and crew of Flydubai FZ1073 after the dramatic cockpit attack that forced the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight to divert to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Azar said: “Thanks to the courage of the captain, the crew and the passengers, terrorism has failed.” He described Machchhar as the “hero of this event” and praised the courage and resourcefulness shown during the crisis. The flight was carrying 174 people. Machchhar was seriously injured during the cockpit confrontation but managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene and restrain the attacker. The aircraft subsequently landed safely in Tabuk. Machchhar is currently stable and receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia. The motive remains under investigation. Authorities are examining all possible scenarios, including a possible terrorist motive, while Israeli officials have said the full picture will become clearer once the investigation and black-box analysis are completed. Watch our LIVE coverage for the latest on Captain Smit Machchhar, Reuven Azar’s remarks, the Flydubai FZ1073 investigation, the suspected attacker and the international response. #SmitMachchhar #Flydubai #FZ1073 #ReuvenAzar #Israel #India #IndianPilot #FlydubaiCrisis #Terrorism #Aviation #SaudiArabia #Tabuk #PMModi #Netanyahu #BreakingNews n18oc_breaking-news