Photo by Hillel Maeir/TPS on 24 July, 2014

Israel Bans Private Flights and Civilian Drones Due to War

Public By Pesach Benson • 18 October, 2023

Jerusalem, 18 October, 2023 (TPS) -- Due to the war situation, Israeli authorities have banned private flights and the use of civilian drones, the Civil Aviation Authority and Transportation Ministry announced on Wednesday morning.

The statement said this was to reduce the risk of pilots or drones being misidentified as hostile threats.

The restriction does not apply to drone flights receiving special approval by the National Aviation Authority or the security establishment.

The Israel Defense Forces have reportedly increased GPS jamming near the borders of Gaza and Lebanon in an effort to foil Hamas and Hezbollah drone attacks.

Hamas released footage of drones dropping bombs on sensors atop Israel’s security fence along the Gaza border ahead of its Oct. 7 attack.