ALBAWABA - Several local and regional news sources say that an Israeli military helicopter crashed on Friday near the town of Kisan, which is east of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank.
It was confirmed by the Israeli army that the plane crashed while being moved after a technical problem earlier this week in the Gush Etzion/Etzion Brigade area. According to a statement from the army, the chopper broke away from the other plane that was lifting it, which made it fall to the ground.
A military spokesperson stated that no injuries have been reported yet and that the commander of the Israeli Air Force has asked for an investigation into what happened.
Local sources said that the chopper was a Black Hawk model that is used by the Israeli Air Force.
Tensions were high in the West Bank and Gaza Strip at the time of the incident. Since October 7, 2023, there have been reports of regular fighting, military raids, and other security operations by Israeli forces. Reports say that a lot of civilians have been killed and arrested in the West Bank during the ongoing fighting.
Background and setting
In the past, Israeli forces have been in military helicopter accidents that were caused by technical problems or tactical risks. For instance, as reported by foreign news outlets, a Black Hawk helicopter crash in southern Gaza in 2024 killed several soldiers.
The current crash in the West Bank doesn't seem to have killed or hurt anyone, but military officials are looking into it.
If you'd like, I can help you find direct links to big international news outlets (like Reuters, AP, and AFP) that will report on this event once they do so.
