In short
- You can fly a drone in Israel, under conditions. Most conditions depend on the drone's weight, the purpose of the flight and the location.
- Much of the airspace is restricted: around airports, over sensitive sites and in military areas.
- Some areas apply only on certain days and hours, such as weekend fly-bubbles.
- Before every flight, check the exact point — not just the city.
What counts as a drone under the law
In the regulations a civilian drone is a “small unmanned aircraft” (UAS), governed by the Aviation Regulations (Operation of a Small UAS System), 5784-2024. The definition is broad: it covers both small toy drones and professional camera drones. What differs between them is mostly weight, and the obligations follow from the weight.
What the rule says
A person may not fly a small UAS unless one of the following applies: (1) they hold a valid remote-pilot licence and current aeronautical knowledge; or (2) they are at least 16 and fly the small UAS in general operation under the direct supervision of a pilot-in-command.
So even without a licence you may fly, if you are at least 16 and under the direct supervision of a pilot-in-command. Anyone acting as the pilot-in-command must hold a licence.
Registration, licence and certification
Recreational flight
Recreational flight with a light drone generally requires registration, under the Civil Aviation Authority's rules. Keep your registration certificate on your phone and present it on request.
Commercial or paid flight
Paid photography, surveys and work for a client count as commercial operation. Here a licence, third-party insurance and appropriate certification are required. The full details are published by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Where it's allowed and where it isn't
Israeli airspace is divided into several zone types. A single point can fall inside more than one type, so the check is always for the exact point.
- Prohibited area: no flight, at any time or altitude.
- Restricted area: flight only with a permit or prior coordination.
- Weekend fly-bubble: an area that applies only on certain days and hours.
- Drone flight area: an area designated for drones, under its own conditions.
- Airport control zone: a zone around an airport where flight is controlled.
Examples by place: Tel Aviv.
What the rule says
UAV areas LLU59–LLU72 have a maximum altitude of 300 ft above ground level.
Altitude, distance and hours
Even in an open area there are general limits: a maximum altitude above ground level, continuous visual line of sight (VLOS) with the drone, and distance from people not involved in the flight. Inside the designated drone flight areas (LLU) the maximum altitude is 300 ft above the surface, per the official publication.
Night flight
Flight after sunset is subject to conditions and appropriate approval. A NOTAM can close an area even during hours it is usually open.
More guides and places
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a licence to fly a small drone?
It depends on the weight and purpose of the flight. Recreational flight with a light drone generally requires registration. Commercial flight requires a licence.
Can you fly over the beach?
Part of the coastline is inside restricted areas. The check is for the exact point.
What is a weekend fly-bubble?
An area whose rules change on certain days and hours. Per the official publication, a “weekend” runs from Friday 14:00 to Sunday 05:00 (Israel AIP, א׳-11).
Is this guide a flight authorization?
No. It is general information current as of the update date. For a point-specific check use the app, and for approvals use the official bodies.