Story By: Lee Bullen, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency:  Newsflash

Credit: Newsflash/@GONENB1

This is the moment dozens of Israeli cops arrest a lone surfer for breaking COVID-19 regulations after reportedly deploying boats and a helicopter to round up beachgoers.

The amount of manpower and police resources used by the Israeli cops has been widely slammed by netizens for being over the top after the footage, filmed in the coastal city of Tel Aviv, was circulated on social media.

In the footage, dozens of cops are seen on the beach as they arrest the lone surfer and another man who wandered into the scene.

According to local media, the COVID-19 measures allow citizens to practice sporting activities up to 500 metres from their home, but all beaches have remained closed.

Reports said that the police issued 10 tickets to beachgoers in Tel Aviv and arrested two surfers.

To help catch people out and about, the police reportedly used a helicopter, a boat and jet skis to stop dozens of surfers and beachgoers.

The two detainees allegedly refused to comply with the instructions.

Some of the surfers complained about excessive force and claimed they lived within 500 metres of the beach and should not have punished.

Netizen ‘David Bernstein’ commented: “Fair amount of evidence that the virus doesn’t like heat and humidity. Very little evidence of contracting COVID-19 outdoors. Beaches should be open with social distancing. If nothing else, there is plenty of room for surfers, can be just opened for surfing.”

‘Wim Kraatzz’ said: “Surfing is not a crime!”

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