Israel is set to honour Indian pilot Smit Machchhar with a Presidential award for civilian heroism, according to multiple outlets. Israeli President Isaac Herzog announces the planned recognition, framing it as recognition of bravery and resilience.
The announcement follows a September 30 cockpit attack in which Machchhar was injured. Reports say he is recovering after the incident and that the award will be granted after he regains his strength. While outlets use slightly different phrasing—such as “valour” or “civilian heroism”—they agree on the recipient, the Israeli presidential role in announcing the honour, and the link to the September 30 attack and his ongoing recovery.
