Pakistan, Oct. 1 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised an Indian pilot after a Flydubai flight faced a serious emergency during its journey to Tel Aviv. The aircraft was diverted to Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the pilot and attempted to take control of the plane. Passengers later helped restrain the attacker.

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The wounded pilot was identified as Indian national Smit Machchhar. Netanyahu praised Machchhar for his bravery and credited him with helping prevent a major disaster. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi also called Machchhar a "HERO" and said his actions helped save hundreds of lives.

The flight was carrying 174 passengers, includin...