Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem

Jerusalem, May 29: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly opened fire at a civilian aircraft flying over the West Bank town of Beit El on Thursday night after soldiers mistakenly suspected it to be a drone, according to reports.

As per KAN News, residents in the area had reported spotting four drones overhead, prompting security forces to begin scanning the skies for potential aerial threats.

During the operation, soldiers identified what they believed was a drone and opened fire on the target. It was later discovered that the object was in fact a civilian aircraft approaching Ben-Gurion Airport.

Reports stated that the airport’s landing route had been temporarily diverted eastward, causing planes heading towards Tel Aviv to pass unusually close to Beit El at an altitude of around 1,500 metres.

No injuries or damage were immediately reported in the incident.
The episode comes amid heightened tensions and an increase in drone-related security incidents involving Hezbollah along Israel’s northern border.

On Wednesday, multiple Hezbollah drones reportedly exploded in northern Israel, killing one Israeli soldier and injuring several others.

Earlier this week, the IDF said a Hezbollah drone launched from Lebanon struck the roof of a house in Metula, causing structural damage but no casualties.

The Upper Galilee Regional Council later confirmed that no injuries had occurred in the strike, though a fire broke out at the impact site.

Authorities also reported multiple drone intrusion alerts in the region within a short span on Monday, leading to two incidents of shrapnel falling in Shomera.

Security forces remain on high alert amid continued concerns over drone attacks and escalating cross-border tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.