InternationalMonday, 5 October 2026·Hindu Tamil Thisai
Israeli PM Netanyahu praises Indian pilot Smith Macha after in-flight attack incident
Benjamin Netanyahu praised Indian pilot Smith Macha by phone and invited him to Israel’s May 2027 Independence Day ceremony.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In October 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by phone to Indian pilot Smith Macha after an in-flight attack incident involving a FlyDubai Boeing 737, and invited him to Israel’s Independence Day ceremony in May 2027.
Key specifics
- Benjamin Netanyahu personally called Indian pilot Smith Macha in October 2026.
- The incident involved a FlyDubai Boeing 737 and a mid-air attack by co-pilot Hamam al-Hamami.
- Macha said the aircraft dropped thousands of feet during the struggle for control.
- Netanyahu called Macha a hero of India, Israel and the global community.
- Macha was invited to light the ceremonial torch at Israel’s Independence Day in May 2027.
Exam lens
Question type: International relations and awards-style current affairs; remember Netanyahu, Smith Macha, FlyDubai Boeing 737, May 2027, and the torch-lighting invitation. TNPSC may ask which Indian pilot was honoured by Israel’s Prime Minister.