“A terror attack, no doubt”: Israel’s Consul General praises Captain Machchhar
Israel’s Consul General in Mumbai slams media for twisting the flydubai terror attack and honours Captain Smit Machchhar’s heroic actions.
In a powerful show of solidarity and admiration, Israel’s Consul General in Mumbai, Yaniv Revach, has officially labeled the recent mid-air crisis involving a flydubai flight as a terror attack. Speaking to the media, Revach moved to correct what he described as a massive misinformation campaign by international outlets, while simultaneously hailing the extraordinary bravery of Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar.
The incident, which saw a mid-air confrontation that resulted in severe injuries to the pilot, has become a focal point of international tension. While some media reports attempted to frame the event as a routine dispute between crew members, Revach was adamant that the reality was far more sinister.
Defending the Truth Against Media Hypocrisy
Revach expressed deep frustration with how the narrative was being handled by certain global news organizations. He specifically pointed towards Western media and outlets like Al Jazeera and Qatar, accusing them of "twisting the story completely."
“I don't think that it might be a terror attack. It is a terror attack. So there's not even a question or a doubt about it,” Revach stated firmly. He criticized the attempt to portray the incident as a mere altercation between an Indian pilot and an Omani pilot, asserting that the attacker was a terrorist. “It is high time that we all take off our masks. We'll call terrorism by its pure name. And we should end this hypocrisy and double standard,” he added.
Honouring the Heroism of Captain Smit Machchhar
The Consul General highlighted the life-saving actions of Captain Smit Machchhar, who faced a violent assailant while attempting to secure the cockpit. Despite sustaining significant injuries, the Captain's actions prevented what could have been a catastrophic tragedy.
Key details regarding the Captain's bravery include:
- Neutralising the Threat: Despite being severely injured, the Captain succeeded in managing the cockpit door and allowing security to intervene.
- Ensuring Safety: His actions helped neutralise the terrorist pilot and ensured the aircraft was landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
- Preventing Mass Casualty: Revach noted that the Captain effectively prevented a massive terrorist attack that could have had global repercussions.
“We would like to honour the exceptional behaviour of Captain Smit Machchhar,” Revach said, adding that the State of Israel intends to launch a public awareness campaign to personally thank him. There is also ongoing discussion regarding whether the Captain should receive formal recognition from the President and the Government of Israel.
A Symbol of India-Israel Friendship
Beyond the immediate security crisis, Revach viewed the incident as a profound symbol of the strengthening ties between India and Israel. He described the image of an Indian pilot working alongside Israeli security to save a flight as a "beautiful story" of connection between the two nations.
“It is a beautiful symbol of the friendship between Israel and India,” Revach remarked, noting that the Captain's courage prevented an event that could have negatively impacted bilateral ties and the Abraham Accords.
Update on Medical Condition and Investigations
The Captain is currently receiving medical attention in the UAE after sustaining serious injuries to his hands and neck. Revach expressed confidence in the UAE's medical facilities and offered prayers for his swift recovery.
Regarding the legal and investigative side of the crisis, the Consul General noted that while the nature of the attack is clear to him, the official conclusion will depend on the ongoing multi-nation probes. He stated his trust in the Emirati authorities to partner with Israeli counterparts to uncover the full truth of the incident. As flydubai services face suspension, the diplomatic community remains watchful of the regional aviation impact.