IDF Bans Chinese-Made Vehicles from Bases Over Espionage Fears
The IDF has prohibited Chinese-made vehicles from entering its bases due to fears of data leaks from embedded cameras and sensors, requiring personnel to park these vehicles outside. This decision, mirroring global security measures, reflects growing concerns about espionage risks from Chinese technology in Israel’s dominant EV market.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have implemented a comprehensive ban on Chinese-made vehicles entering all military bases, citing significant concerns about potential data leaks from onboard cameras, sensors, and connected systems. The directive, effective as of August 2025, mandates that career officers and civilian employees who own Chinese-manufactured vehicles, such as those from BYD, MG Motor, or Chery, park them outside base perimeters in designated areas to prevent sensitive information from being compromised. This follows an initial restriction in July 2025 at the Gideonim Communications Corps base near Tzrifin, which has now expanded to include all electric vehicles (EVs) across IDF facilities due to their advanced connectivity features.
The decision aligns with global trends, as the United Kingdom imposed a similar ban on Chinese vehicles at its military sites in April 2025, citing espionage risks. In Israel, Chinese brands dominate the affordable EV market, supplying nearly 25% of vehicle imports in 2024, with models like the BYD Atto 3 leading sales at over 10,000 units. The IDF’s leasing program includes one modified Chinese model, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, with its media and communication systems disabled for security. However, other Chinese EVs were excluded from the latest Ministry of Defense leasing tender, potentially complicating future procurement due to their cost-effectiveness, with mass-market EVs priced under NIS 170,000 and hybrids under NIS 150,000.
Security experts, like Dr. Harel Menashri, formerly of Shin Bet’s cyber division, have warned that Chinese vehicles could record audio, video, and geolocation data, posing a threat to military operations. “I’ve never come across Chinese technology that doesn’t transmit,” he noted. The ban affects thousands of IDF personnel, reflecting broader concerns seen in the U.S., where proposed rules aim to block Chinese tech in connected vehicles. Social media on X highlighted the issue, with one user stating, “IDF’s move shows how serious the Chinese tech threat is.” The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit declined to comment, underscoring the sensitivity of the issue amid ongoing regional tensions.