Israeli military helicopter crashes near Jerusalem during rescue operation

A military helicopter of the Israeli Air Force crashed in the Jerusalem area during an operation to transport a malfunctioning aircraft, officials confirmed.

The incident occurred near Gush Etzion , close to a residential area, with preliminary information indicating that no injuries were sustained, CURSOR INFO reports.

The accident took place while attempting to evacuate a “Yanshuf” helicopter that had been stranded in a remote, difficult-to-access location for several days and could not be retrieved by ground transport. To remove the aircraft, the Israeli Air Force deployed a heavy transport helicopter, the “Yansur,” to lift the damaged helicopter from the air.

During the operation, the securing elements holding the Yanshuf reportedly loosened, causing it to fall to the ground near a populated area. Authorities confirmed that no civilians were present in the vicinity at the time of the crash.

The Israeli Air Force has initiated a full investigation to determine the cause of the fastening failure and to clarify all circumstances surrounding the incident.

By Vafa Guliyeva