A drone pilotless aircraft is being used to monitor the security situation on the Jerusalem light rail. The small craft will hover over the train, providing real-time footage to a police commander center of possible security threat or terrorist incident.

All of the trains will be escorted by the aircraft while driving through the Arab areas of the capital. This is the response to widespread violence and attacks that followed the murder of Arab teenager Muhmad Abu-Khadir. The Arab mobs caused enormous damage to the light rail system, including the rails and stations. The damage was estimated in the tens of millions of shekels.

Mayor Nir Barkat is behind the new initiative which City Hall feels will improve security while giving commuters a better feeling.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)