Israel’s top secret military intelligence unit breaks cover to tackle coronavirus

The Israeli Defense Forces said that Unit 81 is using its technological expertise to develop a breakthrough in the fight against COVID-19. (Twitter/@IDF)
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Updated 22 March 2020
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Israel’s top secret military intelligence unit breaks cover to tackle coronavirus

  • Unit 81 is using its technology to develop a breakthrough in the fight against coronavirus
  • Israel currently has 945 cases of coronavirus infections

Israel’s top-secret military intelligence unit, charged with developing technologies to support combat operations, has now broken cover to reveal its latest developments to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

The Israeli Defense Forces announced earlier this week that Unit 81 is “using its technological expertise to develop a breakthrough in the fight against COVID-19.”

 

Their developments include creating a “special shield and separate ventilation” to protect ambulance drivers transporting coronavirus patients, and developing advanced software to improve efficiency of lab checks for testing kits.

Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has declared a state of emergency to battle the virus. Last weekend, he sanctioned cyber tools to track potential infections. The country currently has 945 cases of coronavirus infections. 


Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim arrives in Abu Dhabi

Updated 14 February 2026
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Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim arrives in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI: Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin ​Hamad Al-Thani arrived Saturday in Abu Dhabi, state news agency QNA reported.

The Qatari ruler and his accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at the Al-Bateen Airport by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.

The Qatari delegation was also welcomed by Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al-Nahyan; Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum; Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al-Nahyan; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al-Nahyan; Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan; Adviser to the UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al-Nahyan; Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the UAE Dr. Sultan Salmeen Al-Mansouri, along with a number of senior officials.

Sheikh Tamim headed to Abu Dhabi on a fraternal visit to the UAE, QNA reported.

Sheikh Tamim is accompanied by Personal Representative of the Emir Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, and a number of senior officials.