Israel to Ban Fiber Optic and SIM Card Drones Amid Security Threats

By אלי פרוש

Translated & summarized from JDN by baba

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Defense Minister Israel Katz will sign an order banning fiber optic and SIM card-controlled drones for six months, starting Sunday, to counter immediate security threats. The decision, approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addresses concerns about drone use for terrorism, smuggling, and criminal activity. The ban includes specific exceptions for security forces and pre-approved drones, with an exceptions committee to review further requests.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Defense Minister Israel Katz will ban fiber optic and SIM card drones for six months.
The order aims to counter immediate security threats from hostile elements and criminals.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also approved the security directive.
The ban addresses concerns about drone use for attacks, smuggling, and intelligence gathering.
Exceptions will be made for security forces and pre-approved drone operations.

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

Defense Minister Israel Katz is set to sign a special security order this Sunday that will prohibit the operation of fiber optic drones and drones controlled via SIM cards throughout Israel. The directive is intended to take effect for six months, providing an immediate response to security threats until further solutions are developed. This move comes in response to concrete intelligence information and escalating threats from hostile elements both within and outside Israel. Concerns include the potential use of drones for attacks, assassination attempts on senior officials, intelligence gathering, and smuggling, as well as their use by criminals and crime families. The security establishment aims to address these threats along the borders, in security zones, and within the country, where drone usage has become a significant security challenge.

The decision was approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz in the Political-Security Cabinet, following extensive discussions and staff work led by the National Security Council in cooperation with security agencies. The proposed ban is part of a broader set of measures to combat the drone threat, including import restrictions and regulatory oversight.

Minister Katz will sign the order under his authority according to the Aviation Law, after consulting with the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority and completing a public comment period as required by the Ministry of Justice. The proposed order will specifically target fiber optic drones and those controlled via cellular communication and SIM cards, while other types of drones will remain operational under existing regulations. Defined exceptions are included, such as for security forces or their representatives. Exceptions also apply to ground-related fiber optic drones and SIM-controlled drones that received prior approval from the Civil Aviation Authority before the order's effective date. Furthermore, an exceptions committee will be established to review exemption requests.