Israel’s army launches a sweeping crackdown on Chinese smart cars amid fears of surveillance, data leaks, and foreign tracking near military bases.
In a bold national security move, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has begun recalling hundreds of Chinese-made vehicles issued to officers — a direct order from the Chief of Staff following intelligence warnings that these cars could be used for surveillance and data espionage.
According to military sources, around 700 vehicles, mostly Chery Tiggo 8 SUVs, are being collected. These seven-seat models were previously allocated to officers with large families — but now, they’ve become a potential security liability.
The crackdown follows an alarming intelligence assessment: the rapid infiltration of Chinese smart cars near sensitive military zones. Equipped with built-in cameras, microphones, GPS modules, sensors, and constant internet connectivity, these vehicles can — in theory — record conversations, monitor troop movements, and transmit classified data abroad.
Effective immediately, Chinese-made vehicles are banned from entering IDF bases, and the army has suspended all future vehicle allocations pending a full risk review. “What looks like a family car could function as a rolling spy device,” a senior defense source said.
This is far from paranoia. Western intelligence agencies, including those in the U.S., U.K., and Germany, have already warned of embedded data-collection systems in Chinese technology, from drones to EVs. Israel — always on the frontline of cyber and counter-intelligence defense — is taking no chances.
The IDF is reportedly considering vehicle tagging, mandatory disclosure of ownership, and designated parking zones outside secure perimeters for all Chinese brands.
The issue also exposes a wider dilemma: while Chinese electric cars have surged in popularity across Israel for their affordability and range, their high-tech connectivity comes with a national security cost. “Every byte matters when it comes to protecting Israel’s defenses,” said a cyber-defense expert.
With tensions rising in global tech warfare and Beijing’s deepening footprint in Middle Eastern markets, the IDF’s decisive action sends a clear message — Israel’s security cannot and will not be outsourced to foreign hardware.
