Israel Tightens Drone Regulations, Including Recreational Models

Israel is set to implement stricter regulations for drone operations, extending oversight to recreational and sports drones. The Ministry of Transport has published draft flight regulations that will allow the state to ground operators who violate the rules. These new regulations will also prohibit the operation of drones controlled via cable or cellular communication, with limited exceptions.

Under the proposed rules, operating a drone that does not comply with the established guidelines will be considered a criminal offense. The draft distinguishes between "model aircraft" (used for sport and recreation) and "unmanned aerial vehicles" (UAVs), with all drones falling under the UAV definition legally. Currently, Israel has approximately 4,300 legally registered drones under 25 kilograms and around 6,000 model aircraft, alongside an unknown number of unregistered drones.

To legally operate a UAV in Israel, a pilot's license is required. Around 4,000 individuals hold UAV licenses, with an additional 11,000 licensed for model aircraft and 1,500 for UAVs weighing between 25 and 2,000 kilograms. Following the "Iron Swords War" outbreak in 2023, an emergency order mandated the registration of all UAVs with the IDF's monitoring system. The new regulations will make this monitoring permanent and expand it to include a larger portion of drones, regardless of whether they are used for work or leisure.

The permanent monitoring system will involve drones transmitting identification and operational data to a dedicated server via internet connection. Operators will need to register their drones with an authorized provider, who will then issue confirmation and instructions for the monitoring application. This system aims to collect data for security agencies to mitigate risks posed by drone operations, not for commercial purposes.

While cellular communication for drone operation will generally be banned, exceptions exist. Drones weighing up to 250 grams will be exempt from the new regulations, a weight class many manufacturers currently target. Additionally, areas distant from settlements or critical infrastructure will be designated as low-risk zones. Penalties for violations will range from approximately 620 shekels to 14,000 shekels, depending on the drone's size.