developing· Security· Updated 16:24

Israel Bans Drones Over Security Threats

Defense Minister Israel Katz is set to sign a special security order on Sunday, October 18, 2026, banning the operation of drones controlled via fiber optic cables or cellular SIM cards within Israel's airspace. The temporary ban, which will remain in effect for six months, was approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Ministerial Committee on National Security Affairs.

10 newsrooms · 3 languages · since 13:07

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What happened

01Defense Minister Israel Katz will sign an order on Sunday, October 18, 2026, banning fiber optic and SIM-controlled drones for six months.
02The temporary ban was approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Ministerial Committee on National Security Affairs.
03The measure is a response to concrete intelligence regarding drone attacks, assassination attempts on senior officials, espionage, and smuggling.
04Security officials highlighted that the drone threat includes use by criminal organizations and organized crime families within Israel.
05The ban applies to all of Israel's airspace but excludes other types of drones, which remain permitted under existing regulations.
06Exceptions to the ban are provided for security forces and drones with prior approval from the Civil Aviation Authority.
07A special exceptions committee will be established to review individual requests for exemptions from the drone ban.

The decision follows extensive staff work by the National Security Council in cooperation with security agencies. It is based on concrete intelligence indicating escalating threats from both internal and external adversaries, including drone attacks, assassination attempts on senior officials, intelligence gathering, and smuggling. Security officials also noted the use of these drones by criminal organizations and organized crime families.

The prohibition specifically targets fiber optic and SIM-controlled drones, while other types of drones will continue to be permitted under existing regulations. Exceptions will be made for security forces, fiber optic drones connected to the ground, and drones that received prior approval from the Civil Aviation Authority. A special committee will also be established to review further requests for exemptions.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 9 newsrooms. Updated 16:27