Defense Minister Israel Katz is expected to sign a special security order on Sunday banning the operation of drones controlled via fiber-optic cables or cellular SIM cards throughout Israeli-controlled airspace.
The temporary ban will remain in effect for six months from the date of signing and is intended to address immediate security concerns while additional solutions are developed. The move follows a decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Katz that was approved by the Diplomatic-Security Cabinet.
According to Israeli defense officials, the decision comes amid specific intelligence and growing threats from both within Israel and abroad. These include drone attacks, plots to target senior officials, the use of drones by criminals and organized crime families, intelligence gathering and smuggling operations. Given the severity and range of the threats, officials determined that countermeasures were needed not only in security zones and along Israel's borders but also to combat drone-related terrorism within the country.
The ban is one of several measures aimed at countering the growing drone threat, alongside import restrictions and new regulatory requirements. It was developed following extensive consultations and planning led by Israel's National Security Council in coordination with the country's security agencies.
The order will apply exclusively to fiber-optic-controlled drones and drones operated through cellular SIM cards. All other types of drones will remain exempt from the ban and may continue operating in accordance with existing Israeli laws and regulations.
Katz will sign the order under his authority granted by Israel's Aviation Law, following consultations with the director of the Civil Aviation Authority and the completion of a public comment process, as required by the Justice Ministry.
The proposed order includes several specific exemptions: operations conducted by Israeli security agencies or those acting on their behalf; fiber-optic drones that remain tethered to the ground; and SIM-based drones that received the necessary approvals from the Civil Aviation Authority before the order takes effect. A special exemptions committee will also be established to review requests for permission to operate drones otherwise covered by the ban.
