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Israel May Ask Medvedev to Return Drone He Received as a Gift

Vedomosti

Israeli Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit has recommended verifying whether Israel's agricultural minister was allowed to give Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev a drone worth $50,000.

Earlier, Spain's Foreign Ministry demanded an explanation from Israel as to why the drone, which was manufactured in Spain and given to the Volcani scientific center for research, had been gifted to Russia's prime minister. 

The Spanish side noted that the device contained dual-use technology, and the current sanctions against Russia forbid the transfer of such technology to Moscow.

Israeli researchers also complained that, without the drone, they are unable to continue their agricultural research. Israel's agricultural minister, Uri Ariel, replied that he sees no danger in giving the device to Russia. 

Medvedev received the helicopter drone on Nov. 10 during a visit to the research center in the suburbs of Tel Aviv. The Israeli researchers use this type of drone to monitor the growth of crops. 

Israeli media reported that Medvedev did not receive the remote control for the drone. 

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