[VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

The Regavim organization have released real-time footage of a research drone that was almost downed during a routine surveillance mission over an illegal EU settlement on the outskirts of Jerusalem. The drone was collecting evidence of continued illegal EU building in and around Jerusalem on behalf of the Palestinians without any coordination with the Israeli authorities.

Viewers can clearly see large rocks narrowly missing the unmanned aircraft as it flew past a cluster of buildings bearing the EU flag. Luckily, the Regavim field researcher that was operating the machine, managed to steer it away from the incoming rocks and fly it back to safety.

A recent report by Regavim highlighted this new EU policy of unilaterally building on behalf of the Palestinians in Jerusalem and Area C of Yehuda and Shomron (“West Bank”) to the detriment of Israel. The Regavim report has subsequently been presented to the European Parliament by a number of concerned MEPs and awaits a hearing in the Foreign Policy Committee.

Ari Briggs, International Director of Regavim explained what the organization’s use of drones and how the event could have ended much worse: “We use drones to monitor the ongoing illegal activities across the country, without having to go into villages themselves, these machine are extremely effective, but costly, this near miss could have cost the organization thousands of dollars. Although we will not be deterred by this violent attack against our equipment we may now have to purchase a more advanced drone that can take close-up footage much higher-up in the sky and out of projectile range.”

Regavim is a research based NGO that focuses on ensuring the responsible, legal and environmentally friendly use of Israel’s state lands. The organization is made up of legal professionals and field workers that monitor, compile reports and litigate against improper land use across Israel and the “West Bank”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)