Israeli occupation army bans Chinese EVs citing 'espionage' concerns
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As Chinese electric vehicles dominate Israeli markets, military restrictions were introduced amid alleged security concerns.
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Israeli occupation soldiers (archive)
The Israeli occupation army has imposed new restrictions on Chinese-made vehicles, barring their entry into military bases due to concerns over surveillance and data security. The move underscores growing fears that electric vehicles (EVs) produced by Chinese companies may be used for espionage through their embedded sensors, cameras, and communication systems.
According to Israeli Army Radio, the decision reflects mounting anxiety that Chinese EVs could collect sensitive military information. The vehicles are increasingly seen not only as modes of transportation but also as potential mobile intelligence platforms.
Personnel stationed at the Tzrifin military base in central "Israel" were among the first affected. Soldiers owning Chinese electric cars were instructed to park them in designated zones, far from sensitive areas. A subsequent directive permitted Chinese-manufactured vehicles to enter only specific parts of the base, citing a lack of general parking and national security considerations.
These measures come on top of previous steps taken in April, when the Ministry of Security suspended deliveries of BYD Atto 3 vehicles intended for lieutenant colonels in the Israeli army. The decision followed sustained lobbying by cybersecurity experts who alleged that data was transmitted back to servers potentially linked to China. According to cybersecurity experts, these cars continuously transmit data about their usage, partly to improve algorithms that help them operate.
Market dominance of Chinese EVs in 'Israel'
Despite the restrictions, Chinese electric vehicles have achieved remarkable commercial success in "Israel." In the first half of 2025 alone, Chinese brands sold 21,252 electric cars, accounting for 81.2% of the occupation's EV market. Overall, Chinese automakers secured 26.3% of all vehicle deliveries in the first four months of the year.
Leading the charge is BYD, whose Atto 3 model was the best-selling car in the entity in 2024, with over 10,000 units sold. Other major players include MG Motor, Xpeng, and Chery, which have flooded the market with competitively priced, technologically advanced vehicles.
Israeli security experts have previously alleged concerns over Chinese EVs. Dr. Harel Menashri, a founding member of the Shin Bet's cyber division, warned that these vehicles could record audio and video, track geolocation, and even capture biometric data. "I've never come across Chinese technology that doesn't transmit," he told Ynetnews, emphasizing the threat posed by connected cars actively seeking network channels.
As a result, several Chinese brands were excluded from government vehicle leasing tenders. The Ministry of Security also disabled e-Call emergency systems in existing Chinese vehicles to prevent unauthorized communication, though some argue this step is insufficient.
