Israeli Air Force helicopter crashes near homes during transfer operation; video goes viral
An Israeli Air Force military helicopter crashed into a residential area in the occupied West Bank, sparking fear among local residents and drawing widespread attention on social media.
According to international news agencies, the incident occurred in the Gush Etzion area while a malfunctioning Yanashuf-model helicopter was being transported with the assistance of another helicopter. The aircraft had previously been forced into an emergency landing due to adverse weather conditions in the Etzion Brigade sector.
During the transfer operation, the towing harness suddenly detached, causing the helicopter to lose balance mid-air and plunge to the ground, where it caught fire. Israeli military officials confirmed that no personnel were aboard the helicopter at the time of the crash.
The helicopter fell just meters away from residential homes, triggering panic as residents fled toward open areas for safety. Fortunately, no casualties or property damage were reported.
A video of the dramatic crash has gone viral on social media, showing the helicopter swaying in the air before crashing to the ground. Israeli Air Force Commander Major General Tomer Bar has ordered the formation of a military investigation committee to examine the incident.
