Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar to bear a celebratory flame at Israel's Independence Day observance.
Netanyahu described the ceremony as the highest honour Israel gives. He said the distinction is usually reserved for Israeli citizens, but expressed confidence that Israel's citizens would welcome Modi and Machchhar.
Netanyahu's invitation
Addressing Captain Machchhar, Netanyahu said he wanted the captain and Modi, whom he described as great friends, to take part in the ceremony together.
He also expressed hope that they would visit Israel soon. Netanyahu said he looked forward to seeing them there again and described the visit, under the circumstances, as memorable and historic.
The invitation places Machchhar alongside Modi in a national Israeli ceremony. The statement identifies Machchhar as a Flydubai captain and names Modi as India's prime minister.
Why the honour matters
Netanyahu said bearing the celebratory flame is normally an honour given to Israeli citizens. His remarks presented the invitation to Modi and Machchhar as an exceptional gesture of welcome.
The ceremony is linked to Israel's Independence Day. Netanyahu's comments did not provide a date or further arrangements for the proposed visit or the flame-bearing ceremony.
Conclusion
Netanyahu has invited Modi and Captain Smit Machchhar to bear Israel's Independence Day celebratory flame, calling it the country's highest honour and expressing hope for their visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who issued the invitation?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued the invitation.
Q. Who has been invited to bear the flame?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar have been invited.
Q. What ceremony is involved?
The invitation concerns a celebratory flame at Israel's Independence Day observance.
Q. How did Netanyahu describe the honour?
He called it the highest honour Israel gives and said it is usually reserved for Israeli citizens.
Q. What did Netanyahu say about the proposed visit?
He expressed hope that Modi and Machchhar would visit Israel soon and called the visit memorable and historic.
