JERUSALEM : An Israeli Air Force helicopter carrying President Isaac Herzog was forced to make an emergency landing shortly after takeoff on Thursday after striking a flock of birds, the military confirmed. No injuries were reported.
According to international news agency reports, President Herzog was en route to a funeral (shiva) in northern Israel following a memorial ceremony on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem. Moments after the helicopter lifted off, it collided with birds approaching from the front, causing the aircraft to lurch abruptly. The pilot executed a cautious emergency landing.
An Israeli military spokesman stated that none of the individuals on board—including President Herzog, the air crew, or any other personnel—sustained injuries. An initial inspection revealed no major damage to the helicopter.
Following the safe landing, President Herzog and the air crew were transferred to another helicopter and completed their scheduled journey without further incident, according to military officials.
The affected helicopter has been handed over to the Israeli Air Force’s engineering staff for a technical inspection and necessary maintenance. Although the incident was initially declared a bird strike, the military spokesman confirmed that a formal investigation has been launched to determine the full causes of the event.
