Israel to Ban Fiber Optic and SIM Card Drones Amid Security Threats
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Israel's Minister of Defense, Israel Katz, will ban drones controlled by fiber optic or SIM card technology for six months due to serious security threats. The decision, approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addresses intelligence on potential attacks against senior officials and other hostile uses. The temporary ban includes exceptions for security forces and pre-approved operations, with a committee to review further exemption requests.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel will ban fiber optic and SIM card controlled drones for six months due to security threats.
- The order is a response to concrete intelligence about potential attacks on senior officials and other hostile drone uses.
- The ban specifically targets two types of drone control, with exceptions for security forces and pre-approved operations.
- A committee will be established to consider individual requests for exemptions from the drone ban.
- The decision was approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Minister of Defense.
- Additional measures, including import bans and regulations, are being considered to counter the drone threat.
Israel's Minister of Defense, Israel Katz, is set to sign a special security order banning the operation of drones controlled via fiber optic cables or cellular (SIM card) communication for six months. The decision stems from concrete intelligence indicating serious security threats, including attempts to harm senior officials, intelligence gathering, and smuggling operations.
The prohibition, which will take effect after the minister's signature, is a temporary measure designed to provide an immediate response to the escalating use of drones for hostile purposes by both external and internal actors. The security establishment emphasizes that the drone threat is not confined to the country's borders or combat zones but also includes hostile activity within Israel.
The ban specifically targets drones operated via fiber optic or cellular networks, excluding other types of drones that can continue to be operated under existing regulations. Exceptions will be made for security forces and their operatives, as well as for fiber optic drones connected to the ground. Drones using SIM cards that received prior approval from the Civil Aviation Authority before the order takes effect will also be exempt. A special committee will be formed to review individual requests for exemptions.
The decision to advance the ban was approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Minister of Defense during discussions by the Political-Security Cabinet. It follows extensive staff work led by the National Security Council in cooperation with security agencies and is part of a broader strategy to counter the drone threat, which also includes proposed import bans and regulatory measures for relevant drone types.
Minister Katz is expected to sign the order under his authority according to the Aviation Law, following consultation with the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority and the completion of a public comment period as required by the Ministry of Justice.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Centre 2Right 7Haredi 2Arab 1Other 1
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
