President Isaac Herzog thanked Captain Smith Matzhar in a letter for thwarting the attempted attack on the Flydubai plane. In the letter, the president thanked him for his extraordinary courage and determination, which were manifested in his brave actions that prevented a major disaster. He wished him a speedy recovery and invited him to visit Jerusalem after his rehabilitation. Captain Matzhar received the letter in the hospital. In addition, Herzog informed the captain that he will award him the 'President's Medal for Civilian Courage.'