Details of the situation:

• Previous Use: The Israeli Ministry of Defense had acquired over 600 Chinese-made vehicles, including the MG ZS EV model, which were actively used as service cars for officers, some even near the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv. The IDF also reportedly used an MG pickup truck for the security unit guarding the Kirya, the military headquarters.
• Security Concerns: Citing warnings from cybersecurity experts, Israeli security agencies raised alarms that the built-in cameras, microphones, sensors, and communication systems in these vehicles could be used as “mobile intelligence platforms” to collect sensitive data and transmit it to servers in China.
• Recall and Ban: In response to these fears, the IDF and the Israeli Ministry of Defense have implemented a ban on all Chinese-made vehicles from entering military bases and have started a large-scale recall of approximately 700 vehicles assigned to senior officers.
• Mitigation Efforts: Prior to the full ban and recall, efforts were made to minimize risk by forcibly disabling the e-Call system (automatic emergency services communication feature) in the vehicles, but experts believed this was insufficient.
• Replacement: The IDF is reportedly switching to a fleet of Japanese Mitsubishi vehicles as replacements. 

In summary, MG vehicles were part of the IDF’s non-combat fleet, but they are being phased out due to national security concerns related to potential intelligence gathering by China.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) banned all Chinese-made vehicles, including MG models, from entering military bases and recalled those used by senior officers, due to cybersecurity and espionage concerns. The iconic British MG brand is now owned by the Chinese state-owned automotive giant SAIC Motor Corporation. 

The IDF have used MG vehicles (specifically the Chinese-made MG ZS EV model) as official transport for officers, but have recently implemented a ban and recall of these and other Chinese-made cars from military bases and service due to espionage concerns. 

Reasons for the Ban

• Espionage Concerns: Israeli security agencies and cybersecurity experts warned that modern Chinese vehicles, which are essentially “computers on wheels,” are equipped with cameras, microphones, sensors, and GPS that could potentially collect sensitive information about personnel, locations, and movements and transmit data to servers in China.
• Data Leaks: The primary concern is the potential for data leaks from the vehicles’ integrated communication and sensor systems, which could be exploited for intelligence gathering.
• National Security Precedent: The decision follows similar actions by other countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, which have also banned Chinese-made vehicles from sensitive military or government sites.
• Insufficient Mitigation: Even after attempts to disable certain features like the e-Call system (automatic emergency services communication), experts felt that the risk of information leakage was still high and could not be fully mitigated. 

Scope of the Ban

• Complete Prohibition: All active-duty officers and civilian employees who own Chinese vehicles are required to park them outside military installations.
• Vehicle Recall: Approximately 700 vehicles, including the MG ZS EV and Chery Tiggo 8 models, which were previously assigned as official transport for senior officers, have been recalled from service.
• New Guidelines: The IDF is drawing up new guidelines for vehicle procurement, and Chinese cars have been excluded from recent tenders for leased vehicles for officers. 

Details of the situation:

• Previous Use: The Israeli Ministry of Defense had acquired over 600 Chinese-made vehicles, including the MG ZS EV model, which were actively used as service cars for officers, some even near the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv. The IDF also reportedly used an MG pickup truck for the security unit guarding the Kirya, the military headquarters.
• Security Concerns: Citing warnings from cybersecurity experts, Israeli security agencies raised alarms that the built-in cameras, microphones, sensors, and communication systems in these vehicles could be used as “mobile intelligence platforms” to collect sensitive data and transmit it to servers in China.
• Recall and Ban: In response to these fears, the IDF and the Israeli Ministry of Defense have implemented a ban on all Chinese-made vehicles from entering military bases and have started a large-scale recall of approximately 700 vehicles assigned to senior officers.
• Mitigation Efforts: Prior to the full ban and recall, efforts were made to minimize risk by forcibly disabling the e-Call system (automatic emergency services communication feature) in the vehicles, but experts believed this was insufficient.
• Replacement: The IDF is reportedly switching to a fleet of Japanese Mitsubishi vehicles as replacements. 

In summary, MG vehicles were part of the IDF’s non-combat fleet, but they are being phased out due to national security concerns related to potential intelligence gathering by China.