Israel Police is set to deploy drones to aid in the fight against crime in southern Israel following a successful trial run near Rahat, Southern District Police Commander Chief Superintendent Haim Bublil confirmed on Thursday.
The initiative, funded by the National Security Ministry and approved by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Police Commissioner Danny Levi, is expected to aid police in preventing major crime, shootings, and criminal activity.
According to police sources, the drone is capable of vertical takeoff and landing, can fly for tens of kilometers over several hours, and is equipped with advanced day and night surveillance capabilities.
It is designed to provide the police with precise, and continuous situational data in real time, all while operating quietly, allowing for covert deployment.
The drone joins Israel Police’s operational toolkit, representing a further integration of field operations, intelligence, and advanced technology in the fight against major crime.
Drone deployment comes against police struggle
“This is a game-changing tool, which provides forces in the field with broad and continuous coverage, real-time intelligence collection, and rapid closure against criminal operations,” police sources said.
The sources added that the the initiative comes against the backdrop of severe challenges in confronting crime and violence, and aims to equip Israel Police with advanced tech in order for faster, more precise, and more effective responses.
“In the fight against crime, we are required to deploy all operational and technological capabilities at our disposal,” Bublil said. “I have instructed police forces to operate at full strength and use every means necessary to locate, prevent, and apprehend criminals.”
“The fight against crime requires us to progress, improve, and adopt new technological capabilities. Deploying a drone provides us with broader, deeper, and more effective coverage, both in intelligence and in the operational readiness of field forces.”
“Anyone choosing to engage in violence, shootings, or serious crime should know: There is nowhere to hide. The long and determined arm of the Southern District Police will reach them, and the response will be rapid, decisive, and uncompromising,” he concluded.