{
  "id": 14412965,
  "title": "Katz moves to ban a fiber-optic, SIM-operated drones from Israeli airspace amid growing threats",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/katz-moves-to-ban-a-fiber-optic-sim-operated-drones-from-israeli",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-14T09:28:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-911645"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Defense Minister Israel Katz intends to sign an order banning fiber-optic and SIM-controlled drones from Israeli airspace, according to a statement released on Tuesday by Katz's office. The aim of the ban is to mitigate security threats, which include drone attacks on senior officials, misuse by criminal organizations, illicit smuggling, and unauthorized intelligence gathering. The six-month ban was pre-approved by both Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a cabinet meeting. Notably, the order does allow for the continued operation of security force drones, fiber-optic drones connected to the ground, SIM-controlled drones with prior authorization from the Civil Aviation Authority, and any drones that are not fiber-optic or SIM-operated. On the same day, the news outlet Walla reported that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Ground Forces Commander, Maj.-Gen. Nadav Lotan, is spearheading the development of a specialized unit aimed at countering low-altitude drone threats. The unit will initially comprise five battalions, already tasked with safeguarding Israel's borders with Jordan, Egypt, and the West Bank security barrier. These battalions will be given the added responsibility of protecting against mobile threats operating in the airspace near the ground.",
  "summary": "The Jerusalem Post reports that various threats have been identified, including drone attacks, smuggling, intelligence gathering, and the use of drones by organized crime families and for attempts to harm senior officials.\n\nIn Alkmaar, Mayor Anja Schouten has ordered two demonstrations scheduled for the Europa League match between AZ and Hapoel Be’er Sheva to be moved away from the AFAS Stadium to prevent disorder. According to DutchNews, pro-Palestinian groups Boycott 4 Palestine and Week 4 Palestine organized the protests against Israeli clubs participating in European competition. Schouten stated that the new location near the Kooimeer roundabout allows for the safe arrival and departure of demonstrators while preventing confrontations with other groups, noting that adequate management measures could not be taken at the stadium entrance to separate fans from protesters. Following the decision to ban Israeli supporters from traveling to the match, AZ Alkmaar cancelled ticket sales to visiting fans.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "DutchNews",
        "title": "Alkmaar moves protest against Israeli fans amid safety concerns",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/alkmaar-moves-protest-against-israeli-fans-amid-safety-concerns",
        "published": "2026-10-14T08:38:47.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}