Israeli agencies review Chinese vehicle purchases after security concerns

Following the IDF ban on Chinese-made vehicles entering its bases over fears that cameras and sensors could leak information, and after Elbit Systems told employees last week that Chinese cars would be removed from its fleet, additional Israeli state-owned bodies have begun reviewing the issue, according to Calcalist. Other organizations that already bought Chinese vehicles have also halted further purchases. Israel Aerospace Industries had already avoided offering Chinese cars to employees from the outset.

Calcalist reported that Israel Police began acquiring Chinese-made BYD cars about a year ago, but later decided to stop buying more Chinese vehicles for information-security reasons. BYD was also designated last week by the Pentagon as a company with ties to China’s military industries. The police said that in the past it bought only “dozens” of vehicles and that, as part of its policy, it has not been purchasing Chinese cars in recent years.

State-owned utility companies are also examining their fleets. Israel Electric Corporation has a large leasing fleet and a strong interest in electric cars, including BYD and MG models, as well as non-electric Chinese vehicles such as the Cherry Tiggo 8, a family SUV. The company said no policy change has been decided yet, but the matter is under review.

Mekorot, which operates sensitive energy facilities, also has a fleet that includes mostly commercial and operational vehicles, along with BYD and Cherry cars, and it too is checking whether to continue buying Chinese-made vehicles. The body responsible for Israel’s state vehicle fleet is the Government Vehicle Administration in the Finance Ministry, but in cases like the police, the organizations themselves have already made the procurement decisions. The Finance Ministry said Chinese-made vehicles are included in existing tenders and are also present in the state fleet.