Tesla appears poised to extend its Full Self-Driving (FSD) (Supervised) feature to Israel, following visible interest from local authorities and growing anticipation among Israeli Tesla owners. The nation’s Minister of Transport and Road Safety, Miri Regev, recently hinted that regulatory progress could clear the way for the advanced driver-assist technology to reach the country soon. Israeli drivers have expressed strong interest, highlighting a willingness to pay the premium for Tesla FSD, citing potential benefits for road safety. This development could position Israel among a select group of markets where Tesla’s advanced software is available, raising questions about how local regulators will respond and what impact this rollout may have on both consumers and the wider automotive landscape.
When compared to previous rollouts of Tesla FSD in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, Israeli authorities are engaging more directly with stakeholders and making their regulatory process publicly transparent. Earlier information noted resistance and a slow-moving approach to similar technologies in other regions, but Israel’s apparent responsiveness underscores a shift toward embracing advanced automotive software. The surge of nearly 1,000 Israeli Tesla owners petitioning for FSD access highlights a trend of consumers actively shaping regulatory priorities, a contrast to less vocal markets.
What Prompted the Israeli Push for Tesla FSD?
Israeli Tesla drivers have long awaited local approval of the Full Self-Driving package, in part due to regulatory restrictions and ongoing assessment of its safety performance. Many owners view FSD as a significant investment that promises driver assistance and enhanced security on busy city roads. Local reports suggest that organizations and individuals are urging for swift approval, with their advocacy reaching as high as the transport ministry. This grassroots interest was further evidenced by Minister Regev acknowledging the high volume of appeals, signaling responsiveness to consumer demand.
How are Authorities Responding to the Demand?
Miri Regev publicly addressed Israeli Tesla owners, indicating imminent change:
“I’ve received the many referrals from Tesla drivers in Israel! Tesla drivers? Soon you won’t need to hold the steering wheel,”
she posted on X. Regev instructed the ministry’s Director-General to prioritize the necessary authorization steps, including comprehensive safety tests, to speed up FSD’s local launch. Further affirming this direction, the ministry commented that driver-assist technology aligns with broader goals for smart transportation and road safety.
What Safety and Regulatory Steps Lie Ahead?
The Ministry of Transportation in Israel has established a working group, led by Director General Moshe Ben-Zaken, responsible for managing regulatory compliance and aligning with international safety standards. The focus remains on ensuring FSD meets rigorous benchmarks before final approval is granted. An official statement reinforced this approach:
“Minister Regev sees great importance in promoting innovative technologies, and in particular in the entry of advanced driving systems (FSD) into the Israeli market, as part of the ministry’s policy to encourage innovation, safety, and smart transportation,”
Israel’s Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety stated. The outcome of these regulatory steps will shape the timeline for FSD’s operational debut on Israeli roads.
Bringing Tesla FSD (Supervised) to Israel reflects rising consumer advocacy for advanced vehicle software and a government willing to modernize infrastructure in response. Unlike other markets, Israel’s combination of grassroots demand and top-down policy attention may speed up adoption and provide a model for future technological imports. Readers considering Tesla FSD should follow regulatory decisions closely, as they impact access, liability, and user responsibilities in real-world traffic environments. Awareness of ongoing safety assessments and official updates will help drivers make informed choices about advanced automotive technologies like FSD.
