Drone Debris Washes Ashore in Kiryat Haim, Identified as Rafael Test Fragments
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Shlomi Sirioti discovered drone fragments on the Kiryat Haim beach on Friday, prompting a police response. The debris was identified as test fragments from Rafael, with additional drone parts possibly found elsewhere in northern Israel. Police initially downplayed the report but later secured the area. Rafael confirmed the fragments were from routine, coordinated tests and posed no danger.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Shlomi Sirioti found drone fragments on the Kiryat Haim beach on Friday.
- The debris was identified as test fragments from the defense contractor Rafael.
- Police initially dismissed Sirioti's report but later secured the beach.
- Another drone was seen approaching from the water during the incident.
- Rafael stated the fragments were from routine, coordinated tests and posed no danger.
A resident of Kiryat Haim, Shlomi Sirioti, 65, discovered fragments of a drone on the beach during his morning walk on Friday. He immediately contacted the police, and while waiting, spotted another drone approaching from the sea. Initially, the 100 emergency dispatch seemed to dismiss the report, but after several calls, officers arrived to collect the debris. It was later determined that the fragments were from test drones belonging to the defense contractor Rafael. It is believed that similar drone parts may have washed ashore in other northern locations as well.
Sirioti described his experience, stating he walks the Kiryat Haim beach daily around 6:45 AM. Upon seeing the first drone, he called emergency services, noting its two propellers and a keypad resembling a phone. He recounted that the police initially downplayed the situation, suggesting it wasn't urgent. Sirioti insisted, emphasizing the need for bomb disposal experts due to potential hazards. Eventually, two female officers arrived, and lifeguards cordoned off the beach. He observed one drone floating in the water and approaching the shore, which was eventually retrieved by someone, drawing a reprimand from the lifeguards. A male officer and a bomb disposal expert then arrived to handle the situation.
Rafael issued a statement confirming that the incident involved planned, coordinated routine activity with relevant authorities. The company assured the public that there was no danger associated with the found parts.
