TEL AVIV: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has begun the process of recalling all Chinese-made vehicles currently used by its officers, citing significant concerns over espionage and the potential leakage of sensitive information.
According to Israeli media, the decision was made following a direct order from the Chief of Staff. The action was prompted by a security report which revealed that the vehicles’ advanced onboard systems could potentially transmit sensitive data to external servers.
The recall is being implemented in phases, starting immediately with officers who hold high-security positions or have direct access to classified information. The IDF plans to complete the recall of all Chinese vehicles from all officers by the first quarter of 2026.
Sources indicate the primary security risk stems from the advanced cameras, microphones, sensors, and wireless connectivity technology embedded in the cars. These systems could allegedly send data to external networks without the user’s or importer’s knowledge.
This move follows a pre-existing ban that already prohibited Chinese-made vehicles from entering any IDF military installations or cantonments. A former Israeli military official highlighted the danger, stating that every “smart” car is effectively a “mobile computer” capable of collecting data when driven near sensitive locations.
