Israel has scrambled fighter jets after a civilian ultra-light aircraft flew over its Dimona nuclear reactor in the southern Negev desert, the military says.

The warplanes intercepted the aircraft and forced it to land at an airstrip near the southern city of Arad, Ynet reported Tuesday.

Based on the report, the two men onboard the plane strayed from the planned route, flying from Rishon Letzion in central Israel to Arad near the Dead Sea, and inadvertently entered the reactor's airspace.

They however handed over to civilian authorities for investigation.

Aircrafts are prohibited to enter the airspace of the nuclear reactor, which is housing Israel's alleged nuclear arsenal.

SB/MD