Israeli president safe after military helicopter makes emergency landing

A military helicopter carrying Israeli President Isaac Herzog made an emergency landing after colliding with a flock of birds during a flight, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The helicopter was reportedly travelling north after Herzog attended commemorative events at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem when the bird strike caused technical malfunctions onboard, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

The crew decided to divert the aircraft and safely land at Palmachim Air Base, near Tel Aviv.

"After the helicopter collided with the birds, malfunctions occurred on board, but the pilot was able to make an emergency landing at the Israeli Palmachim Air Base near Tel Aviv," the report said.

Israel's Defence Ministry said no one was injured in the incident and the helicopter did not sustain significant damage.

Following the emergency landing, Herzog and his entourage transferred to another military helicopter and continued their journey as scheduled.

Israeli Air Force technicians are inspecting the aircraft before it returns to service, while authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

By Sabina Mammadli