Network
HALOYOUTH - The Israeli government closely monitors reports of the helicopter accident carrying Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Sunday, May 19, 2024.
Rescue teams have located the helicopter wreckage in East Azerbaijan province, Iran.
However, hopes dim that Iran's President Raisi and his foreign minister survived the helicopter crash.
"The helicopter carrying President Raisi was completely burned in the accident. Unfortunately, all passengers are feared dead," an official told Reuters.
Baca Juga: Iran's President Raisi's Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing
Israel Exercises Restraint
Israeli media outlet Ynetnews reports that Israeli officials refrain from commenting on the incident officially. Unofficial sources clarify that Israel is not associated with or involved in the helicopter crash.
Senior Israeli officials suggest the deaths of Raisi and Amir-Abdollahian are unlikely to impact Israel or its policies toward the Islamic Republic. Israel's only awaited consequence is who will succeed Raisi as president.
One potential successor is Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran's sixth president from 2005 to 2013, considered Israel's arch-nemesis.
Baca Juga: Helikopter Presiden Iran Terbakar, Raisi Dinyatakan Hilang
Senior officials add that aside from changes in Iran's leadership, there will be no impact on Israel as decisions regarding Israel are made by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He holds sway over critical decisions regarding Iran's nuclear program.
Emergency US Meeting
News of the helicopter crash reaches US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, currently in Israel. President Joe Biden reportedly shortens his vacation due to emerging reports from Iran. He closely monitors the situation, as do other US officials.
As of yet, there's no US reaction to the helicopter crash. They refrain from speculating on President Raisi's fate.
Baca Juga: Terlibat Operasi di Golan, Serangan Udara Israel di Suriah Tewaskan Tiga Pejuang Hizbullah Pro Iran
Concerns Over Conspiracy Theories
Israeli officials anticipate Iran spreading conspiracy theories implicating Israel in the accident. Ynetnews reports that the Cyber Army of the Revolutionary Guards, an Iranian military-affiliated website, suggests the helicopter crash involving government officials strengthens the possibility of assassination and sabotage.
Especially since only President Raisi's helicopter crashed, while the accompanying two helicopters arrived safely at their destination.
Statement from Israeli General
Accusations of Israeli involvement in the Iranian President's helicopter crash arise due to escalating tensions between the two nations. Iran recently attacked Israel, prompting an Israeli retaliation.
Former Israeli National Security Advisor Major General Yaakov Amidror, quoted by the Jerusalem Post, suggests the helicopter crash likely resulted from technical issues and adverse weather. He dismisses any foreign involvement in the accident.
He disregards the possibility of Israel's hand in the crash.
"It's just a waste of energy (to say that)," he remarks.
"If you want to do something that will have a positive effect both domestically and [externally], then you will not target the president," he adds.
Operating Old Helicopters
The type of helicopter carrying President Raisi and his entourage remains unconfirmed. It could be a military helicopter or a Red Crescent aircraft.
Iran operates several helicopters, many of which date back to before the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution. Due to sanctions and financial constraints, Iran struggles to procure spare parts, posing maintenance challenges.
Additionally, adverse weather conditions at the time likely contributed to the helicopter's flight constraints.
