Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly praised Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot, for his role in preventing a potential disaster during a Flydubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The incident, which took place on Wednesday, involved a physical confrontation between the pilot and his co-pilot, necessitating an emergency landing.

While the exact details of the altercation remain under investigation, reports indicate that a struggle for control of the aircraft occurred. Netanyahu described Captain Machchhar as a "true hero" and credited both the pilot and the passengers for their intervention in averting a catastrophe. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has characterized the event as an "attempted terrorist attack," alleging that the co-pilot intended to crash the plane and kill those on board.

Sources differ slightly in their emphasis regarding the nature of the incident. The South China Morning Post (SCMP) provides more context regarding the flight's diversion and the specific allegation that the co-pilot was attempting to crash the aircraft. In contrast, Al Jazeera’s coverage focuses primarily on the Prime Minister’s praise for the pilot’s bravery, providing fewer details regarding the specific allegations of terrorism or the mechanics of the mid-flight struggle.