The Israeli newspaper “Tel Aviv Ma’ariv” reported this week that the Shin Bet (the Internal Israeli Security Force) has prohibited the Israeli army from flying the prime minister, Ehud Barak, and Sha’ul Mufaz, the chief of staff, in or out of the Kokhave Ya’ir landing strip because they fear a Palestinian attack on their helicopters.
The Israeli Air Force transports Barak and Mufaz in its helicopters from the Kokhav Ya'ir landing strip which is situated near a Jewish settlement.
Dani Yatom, head of Barak's political-security team, and Uzi Dayan, head of the National Security Council, also live in Kokhav Ya'ir, and make use of air force helicopters from time to time, said the paper.
Several months ago, following complaints from neighbors about the noise created by the helicopters, Mufaz decided to stop using the strip except in emergencies, said the paper adding that when the clashes started in the Palestinian territories, the chief of staff started flying again to and from his home near Kokhav Ya'ir. But then the order came from the Shin Bet's VIP Unit that the landing strip should not be used.
Shin Bet cited as the reasons for its decision the volleys fired by the Palestinian at the settlement during riots, and warnings that they had learnt that Palestinians intend to attack helicopters used by senior Israeli VIPs.
In view of the security directive, the prime minister and the chief of staff is now forced to fly from Tel Aviv's Sde Dov Military Airport.
Security sources quoted by the paper added that they will reconsider the future use of the Kokhav Ya'ir airstrip in light of the changes in the security situation.
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
