iPhone only - Israel bans Android for certain population group

iPhone replaces Android for high-ranking officers

Under updated rules, the Israel Defense Forces require officers at the rank of lieutenant colonel and above to use only iPhones for official purposes.
According to The Jerusalem Post, this policy allows the IDF to enforce stricter control and manage security updates on the devices of senior officials. The move is based on the assumption that iPhones are more secure than Android phones.

Social engineering risks and 'honey traps'

Israeli intelligence services have repeatedly warned about social engineering attempts by hostile militaries or groups, including Hamas. Messaging apps such as WhatsApp are often used as lures to trick soldiers into revealing classified information or installing malicious software.
Such attacks can expose real troop coordinates or enable breaches of files and media stored on devices.

This measure is part of the IDF's broader effort to restrict mobile phone use in the military. Previously, the ban applied only to ranks from colonel to the chief of staff, but now it will cover hundreds more senior officers.

Cybersecurity training and precautions

The army is also conducting internal training across ranks to inform personnel of social engineering threats and to minimize the use of social networks and messaging apps that may reveal officers' locations.
The new directive will take effect in the coming days. It could mark the first step toward a wider ban on Android for any military communications. Android will remain allowed for personal use.

Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported about the elimination of Hezbollah's chief of staff in Lebanon.