Opinion
Chinese firms capitalize on Israeli procurement weaknesses to penetrate sensitive sectors
Hospitals, health funds, and even the IDF Medical Corps rely on low-cost Chinese devices, raising fears of cyber intrusions and supply-chain leverage in a crisis.
China pursues long term global interests, supported by strategic plans that seek control over global data communication networks and the techno operational use of any system manufactured in China, including critical infrastructure and commercial devices.
Using technology and products made by Chinese companies creates multiple potential threats, including the insertion of malicious components, hidden backdoors allowing remote access and control, and disruptions in supply chains.
Over the past decade, the Israeli government allowed China to gain ownership and operational rights in key national infrastructures without proper monitoring or enforcement. This occurred despite consistent warnings from senior security officials, both publicly and privately.
In 2024, former FBI Director Christopher Wray testified before a special US Congressional committee on the Chinese threat. He stated that the Chinese government intercepts American critical infrastructure. His agency identified a campaign in which Chinese cyber actors breached communication networks and hundreds of devices as part of operations targeting critical systems in communications, energy, transportation, and water, aiming to cause real harm to the United States and its citizens.
In Israel, the problem is even more severe. China directly and indirectly operates strategic infrastructures, and the takeover of Israeli strategic assets occurred without appropriate oversight, to the point of systemic failure.
Recently, Dalia Energy signed design and construction agreements with three Chinese companies to build two new power stations, creating a loophole in which China enters strategic Israeli assets through the private sector. Had this been a public tender, Chinese companies would likely have been blocked by the Committee on Foreign Investment Review.
Additional examples include Chinese cameras, blacklisted in the United States, used in the police surveillance system, and Chinese operation of the Haifa Bayport terminal.
Among the most vulnerable systems in Israel is the healthcare sector. There is a clear trend of purchasing advanced systems from China, such as infusion pumps, ventilators, and patient monitoring devices, alongside basic medical supplies including protective gear, gloves, gowns, syringes, needles, infusion and bandage products. These are purchased through tenders where price is the dominant factor. In such conditions, Israeli, American, or European companies stand little chance of winning. These tenders are issued by health funds, hospitals, and even the Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps.
Advanced medical systems pose additional risks, including medical data leakage, remote takeover, and system manipulation. There is also concern regarding the security of healthcare supply chains during emergencies and the possibility of deliberate interference by China. The disruptions witnessed during the COVID period highlight vulnerability.
China has never supported Israel on the Palestinian issue, and since the October 7 massacre, it has taken a clearly hostile, pro-Palestinian stance. This includes public recognition of the Palestinian right of return and diplomatic actions in the UN and Security Council that undermine Israel.
China's actions also reflect its deepening partnership with Iran. In 2021, Iran and China signed a military and economic cooperation agreement despite international sanctions. In 2023, China was Iran's main trading partner, contributing $9.1 billion to the Iranian economy and importing 91 percent of Iran's oil exports.
There is growing concern that Chinese intelligence uses technology sold in Israel and Chinese involvement in strategic infrastructures as platforms for intelligence collection and potential shutdown of these systems in a crisis. Large scale Chinese cyberattacks against Israeli government, industry, and academic institutions occur regularly.
In conclusion, the use of Chinese technologies in Israel's healthcare system, together with dependence on Chinese basic medical supplies and deep Chinese penetration into critical national infrastructures encouraged for years by Israeli governments, poses a strategic threat.
Dr. Harel Menashri is Head of Cyber Studies at HIT Holon Institute of Technology; Lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; and founding member of the Israel Security Agency cyber unit.
