Israel to Ban Fiber-Optic Drones for Six Months Amid Security Threats

Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Thursday that he plans to sign an order on Sunday banning the operation of fiber-optic and SIM-controlled drones for six months. The restriction will apply throughout Israel's controlled airspace in response to specific intelligence and security threats.

According to the Defense Ministry, other types of drones will not be affected by the ban. Exceptions will be made for security agencies, tethered fiber-optic drones, and SIM-controlled drones that have received prior authorization.

The announcement comes amid heightened concerns over the potential misuse of drones. On Wednesday, police and customs officials discovered approximately 40 drones, including models capable of dropping explosives, during a joint raid on a home in the northern Israeli village of Daburiyya.

A 30-year-old local resident was arrested on suspicion of selling drones smuggled into Israel and conspiracy to commit a crime. Authorities also uncovered a workshop inside his home used to repair and modify drones.

In a separate overnight operation, undercover Border Police officers, guided by the Shin Bet, arrested three wanted suspects during coordinated raids in the West Bank villages of Urif and Qabalan. The suspects included two Hamas operatives and a third individual suspected of involvement in terrorist activities and organizations.