As part of the fight against drone terrorism and following serious security threats: Defense Minister Yisrael Katz is expected to sign a special security directive on Sunday that will prohibit the flight of fiber optic drones and SIM drones in Israeli skies, following the Prime Minister's decision approved by the Cabinet
Defense Minister Israel Katz is expected to sign an order on Sunday prohibiting the flying of drones controlled by optical fiber or cellular communication (SIM) throughout Israel's air traffic control area. This is a temporary measure for six months from the date of signing, intended to provide a security response until additional solutions are found.
The decision was made against the background of concrete intelligence and increasing threats from our enemies inside and outside, including drone attacks, attempts to harm officials, use of drones by criminals and crime families, intelligence gathering and smuggling. In view of the severity of the threats and their variety, a response is required both in the security areas and at the borders, as well as to drone terrorism within the State of Israel.
The ban is one of a series of measures designed to deal with the threat of drones, including an import ban and regulatory regulation. The step was approved by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz in the political-security cabinet, and at the end of a series of discussions and extensive staff work led by the MLA in cooperation with the security bodies.
The ban refers to fiber optic drones and SIM drones only. The other types of drones are not included in the ban and can continue to be operated in accordance with the existing law and guidelines.
The Minister of Defense will sign the directive by virtue of his authority according to the Aviation Law, after consulting with the director of the Civil Aviation Authority and completing the public comment process, in accordance with the requirement of the Ministry of Justice.
In the proposed version, specified exceptions were established for the activities of the security forces or on their behalf, for optical fiber drones connected to the ground and drones using SIM that received appropriate permits from the Civil Aviation Authority before the directive came into force.
In the proposed provision, an exceptions committee was also established to discuss the requests for exclusion from this provision.