Russia is seeking to give new executive-configured helicopters to the Palestinian Authority to transport its senior officials. The move will allow the Palestinians to regain VIP transport, a privilege lost in 2000 when two Mil Mi-17s were destroyed by the Israeli air force in Gaza. Israel is likely to permit helicopters that are being used mainly to fly President Abu Mazen between Gaza and the west bank, although Israeli sources say that the flights will be tightly controlled.
Source: Flight International