Israel launches aerial surveillance in Jerusalem to fight riots

The Jerusalem mayor's office announced Wednesday the launch of an aerial surveillance unit that would help security forces curb a wave of riots in Arab neighbourhoods in the eastern part of the city.

Initially to be made up of five observation balloons operated by ex-military personnel and deployed in close proximity to the city's Palestinian neighbourhoods and villages, the unit will provide police and other security agencies with "real-time intelligence on disturbances, mass gatherings, and hurling of rocks, petrol bombs and fireworks," according to a statement.

"As I have been saying for months, the situation in Jerusalem is intolerable and requires a strong and clear response to every violent incident," mayor Nir Barkat said, describing the new unit he initiated as a "front line operational arm" that would boost efforts to curtail the violence.

No less important, the unit will enable the city hall to better enforce the law against construction and business licensing violations, illegal dumping of construction waste and smuggling of food products, said Barkat, adding that the unit will receive additional surveillance measures in the not too distant future.