Jerusalem: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have initiated the phased recall of approximately 700 Chinese-manufactured vehicles assigned to military officers, driven by heightened concerns over potential espionage through embedded surveillance technologies.
Under directives from IDF Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, the process prioritises officers handling classified information, with full implementation targeted for March 2026. Predominantly seven-seater Chery models, such as the Tiggo 8 Pro, these vehicles feature advanced cameras, microphones, sensors, and connectivity systems capable of transmitting data to external servers, raising alarms about unintended leaks of sensitive locations or communications.
Security assessments underscore risks from “smart” vehicles acting as mobile data collectors, even near bases, prompting earlier bans on Chinese cars entering military installations since August 2025. This aligns with global precautions; the United States and United Kingdom have similarly restricted Chinese technology in sensitive zones.
China’s embassy in Israel dismissed the allegations as “groundless,” asserting compliance with local laws and removing connectivity features from exported models. No public evidence has been disclosed by Israeli authorities to substantiate the claims.
The move reflects escalating Sino-Israeli tensions amid Beijing’s criticism of Israel’s Gaza operations while highlighting broader vulnerabilities in an era of connected automotive systems.