Fears That Israel Passed Sensitive Security Technology to Russia

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visited Israel last week and met with many Israeli officials including Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel. At a visit to the Volcani Center in Rishon Letzion, Medvedev admired a small drone on display, which Uriel quickly offered him as a gift. According to the Jerusalem Post, Ariel ignored instructions from the Defense Ministry that any transfer of unmanned vehicles requires an export license. According to Israeli media, the drone cost more than $50,000. The Post reported that the drone was produced by the Spanish company Alpha Unmanned Systems, and one of its essential components is a thermal camera. The camera is produced by the US company Flir, which makes its cameras for military or dual use, and its products require an export license from the US Department of Commerce. Israel is concerned that the gift could damage security ties with both the US and Spain.