Israel to Implement New Drone Regulations Requiring Monitoring and Registration

Israel's Ministry of Transport has drafted new regulations for drone owners, including those using drones for sport and recreation. The proposed rules mandate that all drones be connected to a monitoring system, requiring owners to submit personal data to the state. Violators face fines and criminal charges, according to a September 24 report by Calcalist.

The draft distinguishes between "air models" and "unmanned aerial vehicles" (UAVs), with standard quadcopters classified as UAVs subject to the new regulations. Currently, approximately 4,300 drones under 25 kilograms and 6,000 air models are legally registered in Israel, though the number of unregistered drones is unknown. To legally operate a UAV, an operator's license is required; around 4,000 individuals hold these licenses, with additional permits for air models and heavier drones.

The monitoring requirement, initially a temporary measure during the "Iron Swords" war in 2023, is set to become permanent. The new rules will extend tracking to quadcopters weighing over 250 grams, ensuring data on a significant portion of airborne drones is collected, regardless of their purpose. This data will be transmitted via the internet to a central server, identifying and tracking drone usage.

Drone owners must register with an authorized service provider, who will confirm system entry and provide instructions for the monitoring application. Personal details, including phone numbers, will be collected to enable authorities to contact operators in case of violations. The collected data will be shared with security agencies to mitigate drone-related threats.

Furthermore, the draft rules prohibit drone operation via fiber optics or cellular networks, with specific exceptions to be detailed later. Operation via fiber optics is difficult to counter with electronic warfare, while cellular control allows for long-distance flights beyond direct radio control range. Drones controlled via cellular networks use a modem for internet-based commands, a method the regulations aim to ban.

Exceptions will be made for drones under 250 grams, a common weight for models designed to circumvent such regulations. Special provisions will also apply to flights away from populated areas and critical infrastructure. Fines for non-compliance will range from 620 to 14,000 shekels, depending on drone size, and criminal liability is stipulated for operating non-compliant drones.