The IDF has issued a sweeping ban on the entry of Chinese-made vehicles to all its bases, citing concerns over potential data leaks from onboard cameras and sensors.
The new directive will require career officers and civilian employees who own Chinese vehicles to park them outside military bases. The concern is that sensitive information could be compromised through the cars’ built-in surveillance and sensor systems.
As first reported by Calcalist, the IDF last month restricted parking for Chinese vehicles at the Gideonim Communications Corps base near Tzrifin. That restriction has now been expanded to all electric vehicles across the military. Owners were instructed to park their vehicles in designated areas away from sensitive installations.
Israel is not alone in implementing such a measure—earlier this year, the United Kingdom also imposed a similar ban on Chinese vehicles entering military installations.
The IDF currently offers one Chinese model, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, through its leasing program. However, that vehicle has undergone modifications to remove its media and communication systems before being approved for use. All other Chinese electric vehicle models were disqualified from the most recent Ministry of Defense leasing tender for career personnel.
As of last year, China accounted for nearly 25% of all vehicle imports into Israel and dominates the local electric vehicle market. The new restrictions are expected to affect a significant number of career soldiers and civilian employees who will now have to leave their cars outside military compounds.
Chinese manufacturers are currently the only suppliers of mass-market electric cars priced under NIS 170,000 and hybrids under NIS 150,000. This may complicate future procurement tenders by the Ministry of Defense, as the lowest-cost options could be excluded. The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit declined to comment.
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