What changed in Israeli regulation 2023–2026: cameras, fire, armories and communications

Disclaimer: this article provides general information only and is not legal or engineering advice. Regulatory requirements change; check the current text and consult the competent authority.

The last three years have been full of changes affecting security and safety systems. Some came from global privacy and cyber trends, and some from Israel's security reality since October 2023. Here are the main ones.

Privacy: Amendment 13 and camera guidelines

Amendment 13 to the Protection of Privacy Law came into force on 14 August 2025, expanding definitions, the duties of the database "controller" and the Authority's enforcement powers, including administrative fines. In May 2025 the Authority's guidelines for cameras in public spaces and in the workplace were updated. Details are in our dedicated article on Amendment 13.

Cyber: INCD warnings about cameras

In October 2023 the Israel National Cyber Directorate warned camera owners, followed by an urgent call to disconnect cameras from the internet or restrict access to them, amid takeover attempts. The INCD publishes a professional recommendations document for security cameras. These are recommendations, not general legislation, but they serve as a professional baseline and influence the requirements of clients, insurers and sector regulators.

Police LPR cameras

In January 2024 an amendment to the Police Ordinance was approved to regulate the licence-plate recognition camera network (known as "Hawk Eye"), followed by regulations. According to reports, maximum retention periods were set, among other things (up to two years for fixed cameras and up to one year for mobile ones). The legislation applies to the police, but reflects the general direction: explicit regulation of identification technologies.

Fire detection: SI 1220 and the uniform specification

In January 2024 an amendment sheet to SI 1220 part 3 was published, including requirements for detectors in electrical panels above a certain size. The Fire and Rescue uniform specification for business licensing sets requirements by type and size of business; according to the document, some new requirements apply when the licence is renewed or from July 2024, and in some cases gradually. Area thresholds and dates depend on the type of business, so check the relevant chapter of the specification.

Armories and alarm systems

Security requirements for armories are set under business licensing (item 9.1) and police procedures, and refer to SI 1337 part 2: an alarm system with opening, shock, heat and motion detectors, connection to a licensed monitoring centre over two communication paths (wired and cellular/wireless), and an annual check. In April 2025 the business licensing website published a draft explanatory document for item 9.1b (shooting ranges); updates to related items should be followed.

Communications: 2G/3G shutdown

The Ministry of Communications is advancing the shutdown of 2G and 3G cellular networks. According to reports, the plan was updated to a gradual closure, and M2M equipment such as alarm diallers may continue to work until the end of 2028. Check the communication equipment in alarm systems and plan a move to 4G.

Global: restrictions on camera manufacturers

In the US, FCC decision 22-84 (2022) and Section 889 of the NDAA restrict equipment from certain Chinese manufacturers, including Hikvision and Dahua, for certain purposes. In Israel we found no general official directive on the matter, but INSS recommended in 2026 a gradual transition at sensitive sites.

What is still uncertain

• SI 1337: we did not find an official amendment to part 2 in the period reviewed; a proposal to update another part of the standard was published. Check the valid edition with the Standards Institution.
• Area thresholds and effective dates in the uniform specification for fire detection vary by business type.
• The status of the business licensing draft relating to the armory item.
• Final shutdown dates for 2G/3G networks.

How to use this overview in practice

• Chain managers: check the camera policy against Amendment 13 and the Authority's guidelines, and make sure no recorders are exposed to the internet.
• Armory managers: check dual-path communication, 4G support and the annual inspection date.
• Building managers: check with a fire safety consultant whether detectors in electrical panels are required under the SI 1220 amendment, and the uniform specification requirements for the business.
• Organisations with US operations or suppliers to sensitive bodies: check procurement requirements regarding equipment manufacturers.

Consolidated timeline

• October 2023: INCD warnings to camera owners.
• January 2024: Police Ordinance amendment on LPR; amendment sheet to SI 1220 part 3.
• July 2024: effective date for some uniform specification requirements, according to the document.
• 14 August 2024: Amendment 13 published; 14 August 2025: in force.
• May 2025: the Authority's camera guidelines updated.
• 2025–2028: gradual 2G/3G shutdown, according to reports.

Where to check for updates

• Privacy Protection Authority: guidelines, guides and Amendment 13 Q&A on gov.il.
• Israel National Cyber Directorate: alerts and professional recommendations for cameras and IoT.
• Standards Institution of Israel: valid editions and amendment sheets for SI 1220 and SI 1337.
• Fire and Rescue and the business licensing website: uniform specifications and drafts for public comment.
• Ministry of Communications: the 2G/3G shutdown plan.

Following these sources regularly, or working with consultants who do, is better than relying on secondary summaries.

Summary

The direction is clear: more responsibility for privacy and data security, more emphasis on camera cyber security, and updated safety requirements. Designing a new system, or reviewing an existing one, is a good opportunity to make sure it meets current requirements.