DaysofPal – An Israeli television channel reported that occupation authorities plan to purchase systems designed to be mounted on drones to disperse tear gas over Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The move comes within broader security preparations targeting Palestinian residents during the month of Ramadan, which begins this week.
The so-called “National Guard” is supposed to be in charge of the operation. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir established the force and operates as a security body tasked with suppressing Palestinian civilians.
Israel’s Channel 12 stated on Saturday that the police tender committee approved the purchase of three drone-mounted systems capable of dropping tear gas canisters. The contract, valued at approximately $49,000, has already been approved.
The channel said the systems, referred to as “Surprise Egg,” are designed to be installed on “Matrice” drones. They enable the aerial release of tear gas capsules to disperse demonstrations. Israeli police already possess 19 operational systems of this type, even before the latest purchase.
Contract documents reportedly defined the acquisition as urgent, citing operational preparations for anticipated events during Ramadan.
Earlier this week, Channel 12 reported that the Israeli army decided to reinforce its forces in the occupied West Bank during Ramadan, including the deployment of the Commando Brigade. Additional units are expected to join the 22 battalions currently stationed in the territory.
Several extra companies will also be deployed to assist at checkpoints in preparation for the arrival of thousands of worshippers seeking to enter Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem. The army has recommended to Defense Minister Israel Katz that 10,000 worshippers be permitted to enter the mosque each Friday. The recommendation also proposes allowing men over 55 and women over 50 to access the site.
On Friday, Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, the preacher of Al-Aqsa Mosque, expressed regret over Israel’s decision to restrict access to the mosque during Ramadan. In remarks to Anadolu Agency, he warned that the current government is implementing an aggressive plan targeting the holy site.
Each year during Ramadan, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians travel from the West Bank to East Jerusalem to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque. The mosque fills with worshippers, and commercial activity increases in the city’s markets. Since the outbreak of the genocide in Gaza on October 7, 2023, Israeli authorities have imposed strict restrictions on the movement of West Bank residents through military checkpoints leading to occupied Jerusalem.
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