Overview
- Defense Minister Israel Katz declared “war” on drone-borne smugglers and ordered revised rules of engagement allowing forces to harm unauthorized entrants to restricted areas.
- Katz and Shin Bet chief David Zini will seek to classify drone-enabled weapons smuggling as a terrorist threat to broaden security agencies’ authorities.
- The Defense Ministry is preparing legislative changes and mandatory drone licensing, with the Department of Defense and Air Force accelerating counter‑drone detection and interdiction systems and the National Security Council supporting enforcement.
- Authorities told lawmakers nearly 900 drone smuggling attempts were logged in the past three months, almost double the 464 recorded in the same period last year.
- The IDF has not publicly announced a closed military zone or detailed rule-of-engagement updates at the border, and reporting notes drones have carried arms as well as contraband such as cigarettes and drugs.