Israeli Army Begins Confiscating Chinese Vehicles Due to Intelligence Risks
Following a directive from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff, the Israeli military has started the process of confiscating Chinese-manufactured vehicles from its officers.
The decision was made because security agencies identified a potential threat of information leaks or espionage originating from electronic systems installed in these cars.
Sources within security circles explain that many of these vehicles are equipped with cameras, microphones, sensors, and connectivity features that transmit data to external servers, often without the user’s full awareness or control.
The process is incremental, initially targeting officers holding positions related to state secrets or with access to classified information, with plans to expand to all officers by the end of the first quarter of 2026.
It is estimated that around 700 vehicles will be affected, mostly seven-seater models like CHERY, previously used by officers with large families.
Analysts point out that this move aligns with worldwide trends, as countries like the United States and the United Kingdom have already banned the use of Chinese cars in high-security areas to safeguard sensitive information.