President’s helicopter makes emergency landing after hitting birds; none hurt

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

President Isaac Herzog attends an event for outstanding soldiers as part of Israel’s 78th Independence Day celebrations in Jerusalem on April 20, 2026. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
President Isaac Herzog attends an event for outstanding soldiers as part of Israel’s 78th Independence Day celebrations in Jerusalem on April 20, 2026. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

An Israeli Air Force helicopter carrying President Isaac Herzog made an emergency landing after hitting a flock of birds today, the military says.

The chopper was transporting Herzog from a memorial ceremony at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem to a “shiva” in northern Israel.

During the flight, the helicopter was struck by birds and made a landing at Palmachim Airbase. The IDF says no damage or injuries were caused in the incident.

Herzog and the crew moved to another helicopter and continued their flight as planned, according to the IDF.

The military says the helicopter “was transferred to Israeli Air Force technical personnel for maintenance in order to return it to operational service as soon as possible.”

The incident is under further investigation, the IDF adds.

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