Why are military helicopters flying over Basel?

This week Swiss military helicopters have been flying a lot over Basel area. This includes midsize Eurocopters as well as larger Puma or Cougar aircraft, all in Swiss airforce colours. They fly pretty low (100-200 m) above the city center, circling and hovering from time to time, it looks like they are trying to spot something or someone on the ground. The flights continued into the weekend, in fact one helicopter is un the air right now. Any idea what it is about?

Preparations for and the taking place of the 125th anniversary of First Zionist Congress.

https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/do…WwERSp4oU0omIs

Also associated protest today against the above.

Edit: it looks like the real reason is posted above. As I can't delete this I will leave it here for a .

Have you also noticed Millitary G-wagons drag racing from the lights in Basel too? I think they are practicing low flying for civilian aid/food drops. Do your part and make sure the door seals on your bunker are properly lubricated, and that the closing mechanism works.

I don't think Switzerland is about to be dragged into WW3. Seriously though it makes sense for them to practice, Probability/ statistics driven defence expenditure, due to the situation in Ukraine means that they need to practice more intrusively to improve performance and offset increased risks.

There is no room in Basel to race off the lights

Sure, they must prepare. For what though? Russians would have to march through at least 3 NATO countries to reach the Swiss border.

There are some people who dislike Israel enough to launch an attack against a city/country that has had some involvement in the establishment of that state. This is essentially an anti-terrorism operation - protecting the attendees of the conference, but also the general public. From planes flying into the Roche towers to precision drone attacks.

Apparently there's an anti-aircraft battery between Basel and Riehen.

Bit more about it here: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/society…gress/47858506

Amazing to learn about this from so long ago, Israeli President is in attendance too today …

It's been quite noisy again today.

Probably just arrived

4 helis in right now, two of them landed, one is hovering some 20 m from my classroom