The step is part of a broader policy tightening restrictions on Chinese vehicles, after they were already banned from entering IDF military bases.

The process is being carried out gradually: In the first phase, vehicles are being collected from officers in classified roles or those with access to sensitive security information. By the end of the first quarter of 2026, the measure will extend to all officers. The IDF estimates that around 700 vehicles are involved, most of them CHERY models that had been allocated to officers with large families because they seat seven passengers.

Officials explain that some Chinese vehicles include systems equipped with cameras, microphones, sensors, and connectivity technologies that transmit data to external servers, sometimes without the control of the user or even the local importer.

A former senior officer told Israel Hayom the problem goes far beyond cameras and microphones: every "smart" car is essentially a computer on wheels, with a closed operating system and wireless connections that can enable intelligence gathering near sensitive installations. Several months ago, the Chinese ambassador to Israel, Xiao Junzheng, told Israel Hayom that the allegations against his country's electric vehicles were unfounded.

According to estimates, the IDF's decision is also influenced by a global trend. The US and the UK have already banned Chinese vehicles from security-sensitive zones. A senior official familiar with the issue added that the move is also linked to Israel's relations with Washington, amid the ongoing economic confrontation between the US and China.

The IDF Spokesperson's Unit said it does not intend to comment on the matter.

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The case began about a month ago, when a woman from Bat Yam, a daughter of the deceased, reported to police that she had received information suggesting her mother had died. The deceased mother had lived with her in the past but moved out two years earlier following a family dispute, relocating to Carmiel to live with another daughter. The two had since lost contact.

The Bat Yam daughter said she tried to keep tabs on her mother from a distance, and upon learning of her possible death, began making inquiries. When she discovered that her mother was still officially listed as alive, she contacted the police.

Fearing for the woman's wellbeing, officers from the Carmiel Police Department were dispatched to the villa. When no one answered the door, they forced entry. Inside, they found the deceased mother's other daughter and her partner. The house, police sources said, was eerie — filled with cobwebs and windows sealed with duct tape. The two gave conflicting accounts of the deceased mother's whereabouts, arousing suspicion.

The couple was separated and questioned. The daughter, 64, stumbled over her answers, while her partner first claimed the woman had been buried in Haifa, then changed his story to say she had been buried near the northern border. He eventually said she died in April 2024 but refused to disclose the burial site.

Investigators suspected the woman had been buried in the villa's backyard. Initial excavations, assisted by sniffer dogs, turned up nothing. But they later discovered that the body had been kept in a home freezer for two days before being secretly buried.

About three weeks ago, the investigation took a grim turn when the man killed himself in his detention cell. Soon afterward, a breakthrough came when a contractor who had done work at the house pointed police to a spot in the garden where he believed a deep pit had been dug. A small excavator was brought in, and two weeks ago, at a depth of three meters (10 feet), officers uncovered the woman's body.

Investigators believe the elderly woman was not murdered, but are awaiting autopsy results from the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute to confirm the cause of death. Authorities suspect she was buried in secret so her daughter and the man could continue collecting roughly 18,000 shekels (about $4,600) a month from state and private reparation programs. The pair had also reportedly used the deceased's account to pay the villa's rent.

"This is one of the most harrowing cases I've encountered in 26 years on the force. A 93-year-old Holocaust survivor buried in her own backyard by her own family," said Chief Inspector Alon Reuveni. "It was our privilege to recover her remains and give her a proper Jewish burial."

The daughter is under investigation for fraud, obstruction of justice, failure to report a death and violating mandatory legal obligations. Police await the autopsy results to determine whether criminal charges for homicide are also warranted.

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The treasure consisted of 97 pure gold coins and dozens of gold earring fragments, each embedded with pearls, semi-precious stones, and glass.

"This is one of the most significant Byzantine-period treasures discovered on land in Israel, unique for its combination of jewelry and gold coins from different emperors' reigns. Additionally, fabric remnants were found on some coins – traces of the cloth bag in which the treasure was hidden," said Dr. Michael Eisenberg from the Zinman Institute of Archaeology at the University of Haifa, co-director of the excavation expedition.

Among the coins, researchers discovered a particularly rare item: a tremissis likely minted in Cyprus in late 610 by Emperor Heraclius the Elder and his son during their rebellion against Emperor Phocas. This is only the second coin of its type ever found in Israel. "This is a rare find that adds an important layer to understanding the political and economic history of the period," explained Dr. Danny Syon, numismatist of the excavation expedition.

The treasure was discovered accidentally in late July 2025. Eddie Lipsman, a metal detector operator accompanying the expedition, passed near a large stone when his device began signaling the presence of metal. When the stone fell between two walls, the signal intensified, and within moments, gold coins began emerging one after another from the archaeological section. "The device went crazy, I couldn't believe it – gold coins started appearing one after another," Lipsman recounted. Researchers delayed announcing the discovery to ensure no additional finds remained in the area and to complete the initial research phase.

The treasure includes 97 gold coins and delicate jewelry. Some coins are full-value solidus, but halves (semissis) and thirds (tremissis) were also found. They date from Emperor Justinus I (518-527 CE) to the early reign of Emperor Heraclius (610-613 CE). "Gold is a noble metal, and finding coins and jewelry approximately 1,400 years old that look brand new is a rare experience," said Dr. Eisenberg. Dr. Arleta Kowalewska added, "The earrings are the biggest surprise for me. Delicate craftsmanship combining semi-precious stones and pearls – I hope contemporary jewelers will recreate this beauty."

The ancient city of Susita, overlooking the Sea of Galilee from the east, was an important Christian center during the Byzantine period, serving as a bishop's seat with at least seven active churches. The site has been excavated for 26 years by the University of Haifa's excavation expedition led by Dr. Eisenberg and Dr. Kowalewska. This marks the first discovery of a gold treasure of this scale in the city. In recent years, researchers have uncovered remains linked to the Sasanian conquest, including the burning of the Martyr Theodorus Church, leading to speculation that local Jews may have participated in the rebellion alongside the Sasanian army against Byzantine rule.

Dr. Dror Ben-Yosef, archaeologist and heritage supervisor for the Northern District of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, stated: "Susita National Park is a mountain of surprises spanning 1,000 years of history. Excavating the site has shed new light on both the pagan and Christian worlds. Susita's story teaches us about the cultural and religious currents and subcurrents present in the land simultaneously, as well as about the diversity of its residents. To understand the complexity of the area approximately 1,400 years ago, one needs only to climb Mount Susita and look west toward Tiberias, the Jewish city. While a wealthy Christian community developed in Susita around seven churches, Tiberias residents maintained a Jewish lifestyle centered on synagogues."

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Afula Mayor Avi Elkabetz eulogized him on social media networks: "Participating in the sorrow of the dear Peretz family, on the fall of police officer Niv Peretz, who was shot to death during duty fulfillment while on police activity in the Wadi Ara area. Niv, sweet young man, engaged in important police activity and helped secure the residents of the State of Israel, but fell to despicable murderers."

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Coordination with the village councils is carried out by an IDF unit tasked with liaising with them. The troops guarding the convoy are reservists from Battalion 299, the Druze "Herev" Battalion, which once served under the 300th Brigade in the western sector of the Lebanon border as part of the Mountain Brigade.

Today, veteran Druze soldiers make up 30% of the battalion, with the remaining 70% mostly Jewish veterans of the Golani Brigade and paratroopers. Most of the command remains Druze. Many of the Druze troops have relatives in the villages across the border, making the unit a human bridge between the local population and Israel. "There isn't a Druze soldier who hasn't asked to visit these villages," Lt. Col. N. said of the emotional encounters. "They offer coffee and snacks, and at most we'll take a piece of fruit to return the gesture."

'The children beg for an Israeli flag'

"It's our duty, and it's part of our core values, to provide them with basic needs," Lt. Col. N. said. "They don't ask for much, and they are very happy the IDF is here. The children beg me for the Israeli flag from my uniform. They tell me, 'Next time you come, bring us an Israeli flag.'"

While the aid is mainly basic supplies, patients have also been brought into Israel for treatment. "At the end of the day, there are babies, families, people here. This isn't our primary mission, but we can't ignore the humanitarian need," he said. "They ask me how much control the army has here, and whether someone could surprise us and kill them. They're afraid of what happened in Sweida. The younger ones are already saying they want to be part of Israel, while the village sheikhs are still afraid and don't express an opinion. They worry we might abandon them."

The residents, most of them farmers who grow deciduous fruit and raise livestock, live as if time has stood still. Running water is available for only one hour every five hours, electricity for limited periods each day, and to bathe, residents heat water over a fire. "They live like people did 100 years ago," said Lt. Col. N., who comes from a Druze village in the Galilee and is now finishing his term as commander of the 299th Reserve Battalion.

We drove from the Israeli outpost line to the border after looking down from above at the Syrian village of Hader and the hospital built by Israel to provide its residents with medical care. We continued deeper into Syrian territory along a road the IDF expanded under Israel Nature and Parks Authority guidelines. Once we passed the red barrels marking the border, the road widened. "This is the Hermon's Highway 6," one soldier joked.

The wider road ensures that trucks and supplies can get through even when the mountain is covered in snow. Along the way is Majdal Beit Jann, a Sunni village separating Hader from the northern Druze villages. Roadblocks there prevent the Druze from reaching Hader, so the IDF delivers supplies through the Hermon sector. While Sunnis can travel to nearby Damascus without concern, such a trip could cost a Druze their life.

"This sector demands a lot of our attention, especially when there's instability," said Lt. Col. N., the sector commander. "Once you go in, you feel there's no control - no laws, no functioning government. We're the ones trying to create order, helping people and bringing some aid. The Syrian state isn't felt here at all."

Below us are the villages of Arneh, Rima, Buq'ata and Qalaat Jandal. Most residents are Druze, with small Christian and Sunni minorities. The IDF assists them all. Beyond the humanitarian aspect, control of the area is a clear security interest, Lt. Col. N. explained. "If these villages fall, the next step is our outposts and communities. That's why we must strengthen the villages and the population. As long as Syria is unstable, we cannot leave the Hermon."

'Hummus in Damascus?'

In the past, Israel held only 7% of the Hermon. Today, it controls the entire mountain, a strategic buffer against any military force that might try to take it. "It was absolutely the right decision to take the Hermon," said Lt. Col. N. "To get a sense of its size, the drive from the Hermon ski site to the far end of the Syrian Hermon takes about an hour. On the way, you cross the smugglers' route, which leads to the villages, once used to move goods to Shebaa and southern Lebanon, including electronics and cigarettes. Now that the IDF controls the area, the smuggling has stopped or shifted further north, beyond the Hermon ridge."

The IDF has two outposts on the Hermon: One which overlooks the Druze villages and the smugglers' route, and further north, and another built on the site of a former Syrian position. "When we first entered the outpost, I could barely breathe even with a mask on. They lived in terrible conditions. Every year, soldiers died from the cold, and they were buried in the outpost yard. We saw the graves," said Lt. Col. N.

Snow on the highest peaks can pile up more than 10 meters (33 feet) deep, with freezing winter temperatures and snow lingering into mid-summer. The IDF prepares for the possibility that the outposts could be cut off for weeks, ensuring they can function independently in terms of supplies and combat readiness.

"Eating hummus in Damascus is detached from reality," said Lt. Col. N. "As a Druze who follows social media, I don't believe [al-Qaida-linked terrorist leader] Abu Muhammad al-Julani. A terrorist remains a terrorist. But maybe we can have hummus here in the Druze villages." Looking ahead with a more tourist-minded vision, he added, "Israel could develop an international ski resort here, something the Syrians never did."

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Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Muhammad al-Julani, spoke out late Wednesday about the recent violent clashes in the southern Druze stronghold of Sweida and accused Israel of exploiting the unrest to foster instability.

He blamed Israel for deliberately creating chaos under the guise of protecting the Druze minority. "The Israeli entity seeks to turn our land into a battlefield of disorder," al-Sharaa declared following the announcement of a ceasefire and the withdrawal of his forces from the area. "The Syrian people are always ready to defend their dignity. We are natives of this land and we can overcome Israel's maneuvers. We are eager to prosecute those who harmed our Druze people."

Speaking shortly after the ceasefire took effect, al-Sharaa addressed Syria's Druze community directly: "The Druze community is an inseparable part of the fabric of this nation. Syria will never become a place of division, fragmentation or incitement. We assure you that defending your rights and freedoms is our top priority."

The Syrian president continued his accusations against Israel: "Since the regime's fall, Israel has aimed to dismantle Syria. We have entrusted local factions and sheikhs with the responsibility of maintaining security in the province. We chose not to be drawn into further conflict in order to safeguard the nation's security."

His remarks came in the wake of intense clashes in southern Syria, where reports emerged of severe massacres targeting the Druze population. The violence prompted a wave of Israeli airstrikes in the region and a significant movement of Druze from the Israeli Golan Heights into Syrian territory.

Al-Julani's forces began withdrawing from Sweida, the heartland of Syria's Druze community, late Wednesday as part of a ceasefire agreement coordinated with senior Druze leaders in the area.

The IDF reported that no additional Druze crossed into Syria overnight. There were no protests or further incursions from either side. Israeli troops operated within Syrian territory to return dozens of Israeli citizens who had crossed the border. In coordination with the Israel Police, the IDF also worked to locate and repatriate Druze-Syrians who had entered Israel. These operations are ongoing. In the coming day, the IDF plans to strengthen barrier measures along the border fence to prevent additional crossings from both directions.

In Washington, US Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a statement expressing deep concern over the escalating violence in Syria. "I am deeply troubled by the rising violence in Syria, including Israel's decision to carry out airstrikes in Damascus and Sweida. This escalation risks undermining Syria's stability and could jeopardize progress made by Special Envoy Tom Barak on normalizing relations between Syria and Israel," she said.

"At the same time, Syrian authorities must commit to restoring order peacefully in Druze areas and ensure accountability for any security forces that committed abuses in those communities."

Shaheen added, "The only viable path forward requires all parties - Druze, Bedouin tribes, Israeli forces, and the Syrian government - to act swiftly to de-escalate tensions. Syrian authorities need international support to build capacity, train and professionalize their forces, and work toward our shared goal of eliminating the threat from terrorist organizations and other malign actors in Syria. To achieve that, we must all support a path toward a unified Syria that protects the interests of all its citizens and can pursue peaceful relations with its neighbors."

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Samuel Menachem shared his wartime experience on the "Israel POW" association website, which connects soldiers who experienced captivity. He served as a tank crew member in the 79th Battalion during the Yom Kippur War and recounted how their camp came under attack from Egyptian aircraft bombardments and his force – three tanks – advanced toward the canal. At dawn, they walked into an Egyptian infantry ambush.

Shmuel recounted passing the ambush at high speed, but another tank took a hit. He heard Lieutenant Gabi's voice on the radio reporting, "I've been hit, the Egyptians are surrounding me... they're climbing onto the tank," followed by silence. When they returned to assist, his tank was struck in the track and became immobilized. The commander ordered abandonment under fire.

He described the moments of intense Egyptian fire as they fled from the tank, recalling "The Egyptians unleashed hellish fire at us. I spotted a damaged tank and an armored personnel carrier. I ran to the second tank, took a defensive position, and returned fire with my damaged Uzi."

Shmuel described the horror when the Egyptians moved between the soldiers and executed the wounded soldiers, saying, "They went from soldier to soldier and shot him to death. I waited in agony for my turn to die. I was furious that this was happening at the war's beginning, and I hadn't managed to fight enough. The Egyptians fired. Fortunately, the bullets struck beside me." He was eventually captured and fell into captivity.

Sharon Menachem, Shoham's cousin, explained, "Shoham insisted on being in this battalion because of his father's story. He was truly his parents' pride, with a desire to contribute to the state. He always said everything was good, everything was fine. He was helping and assisting everyone. His father supported him out of a belief in serving the country.

"I have a son his age. They are three friends – one in paratroopers and another with armor units. It was important for Shoham to contribute, and he received full support from his parents. He was supposed to be discharged in four months. Since October 7, he has been serving constantly in Gaza. He felt he was contributing. He told me, 'Sharon, we are winning. We are doing our job.' Everyone worries, but we grew up believing in serving the greater good, not just ourselves."

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Menachem chose to serve in the same armored battalion as his father, Shlomo Menachem, a Yom Kippur War hero who survived severe injuries and Egyptian captivity. Sharon Menachem, Shoham's cousin, said, "Shoham was determined to join this battalion because of his father's legacy. He was his parents' pride, always eager to serve the nation and help those around him."

The Etzion Youth Village, where Sgt Yuli Faktur studied, mourned his passing: "Yuliy , a graduate from last year, was wise, curious, and compassionate – a soul who gave his life to protect the homeland. May the memory of this hero be blessed." Friends shared their grief, with Marina Nalkenbaum writing, "Yuli, a pure soul! We're shattered by this unbearable loss. May you find peace in a better world." Rachel Barkan added, "Yuliy , a beloved and brilliant boy. I'm in disbelief. May his memory be blessed." Tali Marmur wrote, "Yuliy Faktor , just 19. A week ago, you glowed with joy about your battalion. Now, tragedy has struck your family. A kind, wise soul – forever in our hearts."

Tal Luria, who taught Sgt Shlomo Yakir Shrem for seven years in Efrat, wrote, "Shlomi, my heart breaks. You were kind, diligent, and sweet. I still feel your hug from our chance meeting months ago, both in uniform. You were the best." The Efrat council added, "We mourn the loss of Sergeant Shlomo Yakir Shrem, son of Shaul and Hindi from Harimon, a tank crewman in the 401st Brigade. We stand with his family in their grief and will support them through this painful time."

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Upon arrival, IDF forces attempted to return the group to Israeli territory, but several individuals in the group became unruly and even threw stones at the soldiers. Police officers, called to the scene, arrested four of the suspects in coordination with the IDF. The remaining individuals were removed and escorted back into Israel by IDF forces.

Israeli authorities emphasized that they will act decisively against those who harm security forces and reminded the public that approaching the border fence is both prohibited and dangerous. Crossing into Lebanon is a criminal offense punishable by up to four years in prison, police stressed.

Second infiltration into Lebanon in a week

This incident comes just days after another case in which Israeli civilians crossed the border fence into Lebanon. As previously reported, on the night between Saturday and Sunday, several Israelis who illegally entered Lebanese territory were detained for questioning.

Chief Superintendent Arik Berkowitz, commander of the Kiryat Shmona police station, provided context. "These are ultra-Orthodox residents from Jerusalem and other communities. They circulated information among themselves suggesting that the site was open and organized for prayer visits," he explained. "They arrived tonight to fulfill the religious commandment. They maintain they were unaware this constituted an offense or that they were violating any laws. This is not the first time in recent months that we have encountered groups reported by the military for border crossing. Unfortunately, we have dealt with similar groups previously."

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The IDF is preparing for a prolonged stay at these positions, with the intention of remaining until it is confirmed that Hezbollah is not re-establishing a presence south of the Litani River or until a different decision is made by Israel's political leadership.

The five positions where the IDF will remain at this stage are:

• Ras al-Sulam Ridge - A position overlooking Wadi Qataiya, expected to strengthen defenses around Shlomi.
• Jabal Balat Outpost - Known in the past as Karqom Outpost, expected to bolster defenses in the areas of Shetula and Zar'it.
• Shaked Ridge - Overlooks the Naftali Mountains, Tzavon, the Saluki Valley, and Bint Jbeil.
• Tzavon Ridge - Located above Margaliot, shoring up defences towards the Naftali Mountains.
• Hammamis Ridge - Secures the Galilee panhandle and Metula.

Each of these positions will be manned by a company-sized IDF force, possibly at a reduced scale. The IDF has structured its deployment to minimize friction between its forces and the local civilian population.

In parallel, the IDF is establishing additional outposts along the border, within Israeli territory, with the goal of positioning a post opposite every Israeli community. The military presence along the border is set to remain significantly reinforced, nearly three times the pre-October 7 force levels. Additionally, intelligence-gathering capabilities along the border have been strengthened.

IDF officials stress that, in coordination with the US-French mechanism, the Lebanese Armed Forces are operating at an unprecedented level, conducting building searches and enforcing sovereignty over Hezbollah, including along the Lebanon-Syria border. However, despite the progress, Israel maintains that Lebanon's military is acting slower than expected. The officials add that Israel will continue to reserve the right to act independently if the Lebanese army does not take necessary measures, particularly against high-priority targets. The burden of proof will remain on Israel over time to justify its actions.

Starting Tuesday morning, residents of southern Lebanese villages are expected to return to their homes. The IDF anticipates that they will encounter widespread devastation, with villages left in ruins. The military is preparing for demonstrations and marches, taking measures to prevent protesters from approaching the border fence or wall. Nonetheless, officials predict that Hezbollah flags will be seen in southern Lebanese villages as early as tomorrow.

The IDF acknowledges that Hezbollah terrorists live among the local population. While in the immediate term, their ability to act against Israel is limited due to the destruction of infrastructure, over time, Israel will need to demonstrate superior intelligence-gathering capabilities to distinguish between civilians and militants and to take decisive action against hostile elements.

Regarding Hezbollah's military buildup, the IDF notes that changes in Syria, along with Israeli strikes along the Syria-Lebanon border, have disrupted the smuggling route from Iran to Hezbollah. Israel remains determined to continue enforcing these restrictions.

Following the financial sanctions that have weakened Hezbollah's banking network, Israeli intelligence has identified Iranian attempts to transfer cash into Lebanon under the guise of civilian flights. Israel has made it clear that it will not tolerate such activity, and for now, even the Lebanese government appears unwilling to allow it. This policy has led to the recent prevention of civilian flights from Tehran to Beirut.

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