Israel to Ban Fiber Optic and SIM Drones Amid Security Threats

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Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz will ban fiber optic and SIM-card drones for six months due to serious security threats, including attacks and espionage. The decision, approved by the Security Cabinet, follows intelligence about potential misuse by hostile groups and criminals. The temporary ban includes exceptions for security forces and requires a special committee for other requests.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

Defense Minister Israel Katz will ban fiber optic and SIM drones for six months starting Sunday.
The ban addresses serious security threats including attacks on officials, smuggling, and espionage.
The decision was approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Security Cabinet.
The measure aims to counter drone threats from hostile actors and criminal elements.
Exceptions are included for security forces and permitted drone operations.
A special committee will review requests for operating banned drones.

Israel to Ban Fiber Optic and SIM Drones Amid Security Threats — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Defense Minister Israel Katz is set to sign an order banning the operation of fiber optic and SIM-card-enabled drones in Israeli airspace for six months, effective Sunday. This directive stems from concrete intelligence indicating serious security threats, including attempts to harm senior officials, smuggling, and espionage. The decision, approved by the Prime Minister and the Security Cabinet, aims to counter the growing drone threat from both internal and external hostile actors.

According to security assessments, these types of drones could be utilized for attacks, targeting prominent individuals, intelligence gathering, and smuggling operations. Concerns also exist regarding their potential use by criminal elements and organized crime families. The ban will encompass all of Israel's aviation control space.

This measure is temporary, intended to provide an immediate response while further security solutions are developed. The decision was formulated following a staff effort led by the National Security Council in collaboration with security agencies. It is part of a broader set of actions that include import restrictions and regulatory adjustments.

The prohibition specifically targets fiber optic and SIM drones, with other drone types remaining permissible under existing regulations. The order includes exceptions for security forces, ground-connected fiber optic drones, and drones with appropriate permits from the Civil Aviation Authority. A special committee will be established to review specific requests for operating drones covered by the ban. The Defense Minister's authority to issue this order is derived from the Aviation Law, following legal procedures and consultations with the Civil Aviation Authority.