Israel Proposes Strict New Aviation Regulations and Criminal Penalties for Drone Operators

The Israeli Ministry of Transport has published draft aviation regulations proposing strict new rules for drone operators across the country. According to the document, violating these rules will constitute a criminal offense, and the state reserves the right to ground unauthorized drones. The regulations explicitly clarify that recreational and sport drones fall under the legal definition of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and must comply with comprehensive state monitoring.

Mandatory Monitoring and Restrictions

Under the new framework, drone monitoring—previously introduced as a temporary emergency measure during the 2023 Iron Swords war—will become permanent. Operators must register their devices with certified suppliers and connect to a dedicated server infrastructure that transmits real-time identification and operational data over the internet. Furthermore, the draft regulations propose a strict ban on operating drones via cellular communication or tethered wires, except under specific exemptions, effectively restricting long-range BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) flights.

"The information collected in the database is gathered under these regulations to be transferred to security authorities responsible for neutralizing risks to state and public security," the draft regulations state.

Exemptions and Penalties

To balance security needs with consumer use, the Ministry of Transport has introduced key exemptions. Micro-drones weighing under 250 grams—such as popular 249-gram models produced by manufacturers like DJI—will be exempt from the new requirements. Additionally, remote areas situated far from civilian settlements and critical infrastructure may be designated as low-risk zones. Operators who fail to comply with the updated legal standards face substantial fines ranging from 620 shekels to approximately 14,000 shekels, depending on the size and classification of the UAV.