Netanyahu invites FlyDubai heroes to light Independence Day torch

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Israelis to remain vigilant on Thursday as he met with four people who helped thwart the attempted hijacking of a flydubai flight from Dubai, praising their courage and inviting them to light a torch at the upcoming Independence Day ceremony.

“I tell the citizens of Israel to learn from you, to open their eyes and stay alert. We are in a very sensitive period. Our enemies intend to harm us,” Netanyahu said.

Yaniv Hayoun, Or Fradilov, Dr. Shota Musayev and his wife, Sigalit, met with the prime minister at his office and recounted their struggle to subdue the co-pilot after he stabbed the captain.

“We tied up the stabbing assailant using a headset cord. He said, ‘Kill me,’” they told Netanyahu. They interpreted his words as an indication that he believed he had failed his mission and preferred to die.

Netanyahu praised their heroism, composure and determination, saying their intervention had prevented a major disaster and saved many lives. He invited them to take part in the Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony in recognition of their “civilian heroism.”

Earlier on Thursday, Netanyahu also used X to recommend the services of Hayoun, a plumber who forced open the cockpit door during the incident.

Meanwhile, the injured captain, Smit Machchhar, was transferred to Dubai for further medical treatment. The Indian embassy in the United Arab Emirates said he was “recovering well.”

Repatriation flights from Dubai are scheduled to begin on Friday, with many Israelis still stranded in the emirate. Shin Bet security personnel are expected to travel there to help prepare the flights to Israel.

The UAE’s attorney general has also ordered the formation of a team to investigate the attempted hijacking.