Israel grounds no-fly zone plan for model Bar Refaeli's wedding

Israel on Sunday cancelled plans to enforce a no-fly zone above the wedding venue for model Bar Refaeli after public outcry over the move.

Refaeli planned to have drones, helicopters and a hot air balloon for both photography and security for her wedding set for Thursday at a resort in northern Israel, Israeli media reported.

Aviation authorities issued an order last week preventing flights over the wedding venue from 5:00 pm to 2:00 am for security reasons, leading to criticism from those opposed to her receiving special treatment.

Israeli Transportation Minister Israel Katz on Sunday cancelled the measure, saying that air space was in the "public domain" and that special treatment should not be granted.

Refaeli is set to marry Israeli businessman Adi Ezra at a resort in the Carmel forest. Local media reported that there were plans to have five drones, two helicopters and an observation balloon for the wedding.

The drones were apparently for photography, while at least one of the helicopters was intended to bring the couple to the wedding, Haaretz newspaper reported.

A transportation ministry spokeswoman was not able to say whether those plans would be allowed to go ahead.

The 30-year-old model, who previously dated actor Leonardo DiCaprio, stirred controversy in Israel in the past by not carrying out her two years of mandatory military service.