Israeli army concerned over cell phone imports

Israeli Knesset's new legislation that eases up restrictions on cell phone imports has raised concerns in the defense establishment over the reform's implications for Israel's security, Israeli daily (Yediot Aharonot) reported. Once it goes into effect, the reform will allow companies to import any cell phone that has been approved by US and European standards. The measure, which was signed this week by the Economic Affairs Committee, is expected to drive device prices down, according to the Israeli daily. Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Benny Gantz has warned Defense Minister Ehud Barak recently that the reform could have "major security ramifications," Yediot Aharonot has learned. Army officials fear that slack restrictions on which cell phones can be imported could mean disruptions to operational communication frequencies, including that of the "Iron Dome" system, the daily reported, adding that the Defense Ministry has asked the Knesset's Economic Affairs Committee to delay discussing the legislation until the matter can be thoroughly probed.