Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian pilot Smit Machchhar to Israel after praising him for his actions during an attack on the cockpit of a Flydubai aircraft.

Netanyahu made the invitation during a phone conversation with Machchhar, who is recovering in a hospital in the United Arab Emirates.

The Israeli prime minister described the pilot as a hero to the people of India and Israel, as well as to the wider world.

He also proposed that Machchhar and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi participate in Israel’s Independence Day ceremony next May by lighting a ceremonial flame. The honour is usually reserved for Israeli citizens.

Machchhar was piloting a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv when he was attacked by his co-pilot inside the cockpit.

According to investigators in the UAE, the co-pilot allegedly planned the attack and used an axe to strike Machchhar.

The pilot later recounted that the co-pilot had asked to pray, a request he considered normal, before suddenly attacking him from behind.

Machchhar said he initially thought the aircraft had suffered serious damage because of the force of the first blow. He soon realised that the co-pilot was attacking him.

Despite suffering injuries, he fought back and managed to force open the cockpit door. He said he knew he could die if he failed to escape and eventually succeeded in getting the attention of people outside.

Machchhar is currently receiving medical care in the UAE. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also spoken with him during his recovery.

The incident has attracted widespread attention, with Netanyahu commending the pilot for his courage and inviting him to Israel as a guest of honour.