The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has introduced a significant change to its digital security policy in an effort to strengthen cybersecurity measures. According to the new directive, lieutenant colonels and officers of higher rank are prohibited from using Android-based phones for official communication and are required to use iPhone models only. As reported by Army Radio and The Jerusalem Post, the decision will take effect in the coming days and will apply to all official numbers issued by the military.
The primary reason for this move is the higher vulnerability of the Android system to cyberattacks and its wider range of security loopholes. Military leadership believes that Apple’s ecosystem—being more closed and centrally controlled—offers stronger protection against external interference and allows security updates to be deployed more efficiently. Increasing attempts by groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah to infiltrate soldiers’ phones through social engineering and malware have pushed the army to standardize communication devices.
Under the new policy, senior commanders may still use Android devices for personal purposes, but these phones are strictly banned for military operations and official communication. Experts predict that this transition will strengthen the protection of classified information within the army and make it more difficult for hackers to target high-ranking officials.
