Jerusalem: Israel's National Guard is preparing to deploy drones equipped to fire tear gas at Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as part of security preparations for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Israeli Channel 12 reported Saturday. The police tenders committee approved the purchase of three drone-mounted systems designed to drop tear gas capsules, with the contract valued at approximately $49,000.
According to Anadolu Agency, the systems, known as 'Surprise Egg,' are designed to be mounted on Matrice-type drones and used to disperse demonstrations by releasing tear gas from the air. Israeli police already operate 19 similar systems, Channel 12 reported. Tender documents described the purchase as 'urgent,' citing operational preparations 'for expected events during Ramadan.'
Israel's National Guard, formed under National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right minister, has been described by opposition figures as 'a militia effectively operating under his authority.' In addition to the drone deployment, the Israeli army plans to reinforce its presence in the West Bank during Ramadan, including deploying a commando brigade, according to Channel 12.
The army's reinforcement strategy includes sending additional units alongside the 22 battalions currently conducting routine security operations in the occupied territory. More companies are expected to be stationed at checkpoints to facilitate the entry of thousands of worshippers into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem. The army has recommended to Defense Minister Israel Katz that up to 10,000 worshippers be allowed to enter the compound each Friday during Ramadan and suggested allowing entry for men over 55 and women over 50.
On Friday, Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, preacher at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, expressed regret over Israel's decision to restrict access during Ramadan and warned of 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 the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Since the start of Israel's military actions in Gaza in October 2023, Israeli authorities have imposed tight restrictions on West Bank residents crossing military checkpoints into Jerusalem. Over the past two years, entry has been limited to those obtaining Israeli-issued permits, which Palestinians claim are difficult to secure. Israel has not announced any special easing measures for Ramadan this year. Palestinians view East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state, while Israel considers the entire city its capital.