President Herzog Awards Heroic Pilots After Hijack Attempt on Tel Aviv Flight

Following the harrowing hijack attempt on a Dubai‑Tel Aviv flight, President Isaac Herzog issued a formal commendation to the crew members who displayed remarkable courage. The statement named Captain Smita Machhar, co‑pilot Tali Mains, and several passengers who heard the cockpit alarms and acted swiftly.

Herzog noted that the combined efforts of these individuals, including the alternate pilot who completed the landing, were instrumental in defusing the situation. The president promised to present the Presidential Medal for Civilian Valor to the identified heroes in an upcoming ceremony, underscoring Israel’s gratitude for their life‑saving actions.