The Israeli army seizes Chinese cars because of the risk of espionage

Myroslav Trynko Graduate news editor at “Mezhy”. A geek, a programmer by profession, but a journalist by profession. Rider, tennis player and Formula 1 fan. I write about technology, smartphones and electric cars.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has begun seizing Chinese cars used by officers. As reported by the 9TV channel, the decision was made by order of the Chief of the General Staff after a risk assessment conducted by the Israeli special services.

Experts have come to the conclusion that the electronic systems of some Chinese cars may pose a threat of leaking classified information. These are, in particular, cameras, microphones, sensors and communication modules that are capable of transmitting data to external servers without the knowledge of the user or even the importer.

Earlier, officers were already banned from driving Chinese cars to military bases. Now the IDF has decided to completely remove such cars from army use.

First of all, the transport will be taken from servicemen who have access to classified data, after which the process will spread to the rest of the officers.

According to preliminary estimates, about will fall under withdrawal 700 carsmainly seven-seater models Cherywhich were issued to officers with large families.

A former senior IDF official explained that “a modern car is a computer on wheels with a wireless connection that can collect intelligence from surrounding objects.”

The military command has yet to publicly comment on this decision. The withdrawal process is expected to be completed by the end the first quarter of 2026.

We will remind, the Chinese company BYD leads the market of new cars in Ukraine for the second month in a row.