Israel's Diplomatic-Security Cabinet is considering a dramatic decision to prohibit private drone flights nationwide for the next six months, following a recommendation by security officials led by the Shin Bet security agency.
The proposed ban would remain in effect until new regulations governing drone use are introduced, amid growing concern over the serious threat posed by the small aircraft. During the interim period, those caught operating private drones would initially be fined. At a later stage, unauthorized drone flights would be classified as a criminal offense.
Israeli security officials describe drones as a significant threat whose severity humanity has yet to fully comprehend, both because they are readily available and easy to operate and because of the wide range of attacks they can be used to carry out.
One of the Shin Bet's primary concerns is the possibility of attacks targeting public figures. Less than a month ago, US authorities uncovered an alleged terrorist cell that planned to use explosive-laden drones in an attack during a mixed martial arts event organized by US President Donald Trump on the White House grounds.
Another reason for the proposed restrictions is Iran's threat to target Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu, in retaliation for the killing of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Images published in Tehran last week showed mock coffins bearing the names of the Netanyahus, Trump, US Sen. Lindsey Graham and other prominent figures.
Iran has previously demonstrated, as in the case of author Salman Rushdie, that it remains determined to carry out assassination threats and religious edicts, or fatwas, even many years after they were issued.
The proposed ban is currently expected to remain in force for six months. During that period, new regulations would be drafted to allow drone operations in Israeli airspace to resume under official supervision.
