Israel’s National Guard is preparing to deploy drones capable of firing tear gas at Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as part of security preparations ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Israeli Channel 12 reported on Saturday.
According to the broadcaster, the police tenders committee approved the purchase of three drone-mounted systems designed to drop tear gas capsules. The contract is reportedly valued at approximately $49,000.
The systems, known as “Surprise Egg”, are designed to be mounted on Matrice-type drones and used to disperse demonstrations by releasing tear gas from the air. Israeli police are said to already operate 19 similar systems.
Tender documents described the procurement as “urgent”, citing operational preparations for “expected events during Ramadan”, Channel 12 reported.
Israel’s National Guard was established under National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Opposition figures have described the force as “a militia effectively operating under his authority.”
Military Reinforcements Planned
Earlier this week, Channel 12 also reported that the Israeli army had decided to reinforce its presence in the West Bank during Ramadan, including the deployment of a commando brigade.
In addition to the 22 battalions currently carrying out routine security operations in the occupied territory, further units are expected to be sent, according to the report.
More companies are also likely to be stationed at checkpoints in preparation for the arrival of thousands of worshippers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem.
The army has reportedly recommended to Defence Minister Israel Katz that up to 10,000 worshippers be allowed to enter the compound each Friday during Ramadan. It also suggested permitting entry for men over the age of 55 and women over 50.
On Friday, Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, preacher at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, told Anadolu that he regretted Israel’s decision to restrict access during Ramadan and warned that the government was implementing “an aggressive plan targeting the holy site.”
Access Restrictions Continue
Each year during Ramadan, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians travel from the West Bank to East Jerusalem to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque.
However, since the start of Israel’s war in Gaza in October 2023, Israeli authorities have imposed strict limitations on West Bank residents crossing military checkpoints into Jerusalem.
Over the past two years, only limited numbers have been permitted to enter after obtaining Israeli-issued permits, which Palestinians say are difficult to secure.
Israel has not announced any special easing measures for Ramadan this year.
Palestinians view East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state, while Israel considers the city, both its eastern and western parts, as its capital.
Russia published addresses of manufacturers allegedly producing drones or components for Ukraine on Wednesday (15 Apr...
U.S. President Donald Trump says Israeli and Lebanese leaders have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire that includes Hezbollah, raising cautious hopes of ...
The U.S. House of Representatives has narrowly voted to block an effort to rein in Donald Trump’s authority to conduct military operations ag...
Georgia’s parliament has approved fast-tracked amendments to the Law on Grants, introducing new exemptions and ...
RRussian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s visit to Beijing is placing China’s diplomacy under closer scrutiny, as it balances its partn...
Russia published addresses of manufacturers allegedly producing drones or components for Ukraine on Wednesday (15 April), warning European countries against plans to step up UAV supplies to Kyiv.
The U.S. House of Representatives has narrowly voted to block an effort to rein in Donald Trump’s authority to conduct military operations against Iran.
Georgia’s parliament has approved fast-tracked amendments to the Law on Grants, introducing new exemptions and expanding the state’s role in defining and overseeing foreign funding.
RRussian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s visit to Beijing is placing China’s diplomacy under closer scrutiny, as it balances its partnership with Moscow against strained relations with the U.S.
Dubai’s most iconic hotel, the Burj Al Arab, is set to close for the first time since opening in 1999 as it begins an extensive 18-month refurbishment aimed at preserving its status as a global symbol of luxury.
The U.S. and Iran could resume peace talks over the next couple of days, U.S. President Donald Trump has said. Talks between Israel and Lebanon were held in Washington yesterday. Fuel prices have dropped below $100 a barrel. U.S. blockade on Iranian ports completes first day.
Azerbaijan and Russia have announced a formal settlement over the 2024 crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) Embraer 190 near Aktau, confirming that all outstanding issues, including compensation, have been resolved.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that there was a "good chance" of a peace deal between Lebanon and Israel happening soon, after he announced a 10-day ceasefire between the two countries.
Türkiye is reeling after a second school shooting in as many days, after a 14-year-old student killed nine people - eight pupils and one teacher - and wounded 13 others at a middle school in the south-eastern province of Kahramanmaraş on Wednesday, officials said.
Georgia’s parliament has approved fast-tracked amendments to the Law on Grants, introducing new exemptions and expanding the state’s role in defining and overseeing foreign funding.
Nine people, including eight children, were killed in a shooting at a middle school in Türkiye’s southeastern Kahramanmaraş province on Wednesday. Thirteen others were injured, sparking public outrage and raising concerns about a rare phenomenon in the country.
South Korea will import 18 million barrels of Kazakh oil via routes bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, as it seeks to shield its energy supply from mounting instability in the Middle East.
Kazakhstan has ratified an allied relations treaty with Tajikistan and a strategic partnership agreement with the United Kingdom, aiming to deepen regional cooperation and expand ties with a major foreign investor.
The United Nations says it reached millions of Afghans with healthcare, education and livelihoods support in 2025, despite declining global humanitarian aid and mounting pressures from displacement, climate shocks and operational constraints.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment