Tesla is taking another step toward expanding its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology beyond North America. Over the weekend Israel’s Ministry of Transportation approved the automaker to begin a supervised autonomous driving trial on public roads.
The approval allows Tesla vehicles to operate using autonomous driving systems while a human driver remains seated behind the wheel and ready to take control at any time.
The trial is a significant milestone for both Tesla and Israel, as the country continues to position itself as a global testing ground for next-generation vehicle technologies. According to the Ministry of Transportation, the program aligns with a broader strategy to strengthen Israel’s role in the development, testing, and deployment of smart and autonomous transportation systems.
In a statement, Transportation Minister Miri Regev said safety was the one of the primary drivers behind the initiative.
“The State of Israel leads in innovation with giant steps. Promoting trials in advanced vehicle technologies is part of the policy I am leading – creating an advanced ecosystem and smart regulation that enable innovation, safety, and growth. Integrating smart autonomous systems on roads, under supervision and control, is another step toward strengthening road safety and reducing accidents caused by human factors.” (via Israel Hayom)
The approval followed a professional discussion held at the Ministry of Transportation, led by Director General Moshe Ben Zaken, and attended by Tesla Israel CEO Itay Raved, along with officials from the Vehicle Division and the Tax Authority. Ben Zaken highlighted Israel’s evolving regulatory approach, noting that the ministry is actively working to adapt rules and remove barriers as vehicle technology advances.
He added that Israel already serves as a preferred testing environment for leading global automakers and remains committed to enabling responsible innovation that benefits both public safety and the broader economy.
While the newly approved trial focuses on supervised autonomous driving rather than fully driverless operation, it builds on earlier signals that Israel could play a larger role in Tesla’s autonomy roadmap. In September 2025, Ben Zaken suggested that Israel may host a “first-of-its-kind” Tesla robotaxi pilot, potentially making it one of the first countries outside the United States to do so.
Israel’s appeal lies in its advanced regulatory framework, which allows autonomous vehicle testing with a safety driver present. Combined with Tesla’s rapidly growing footprint—having delivered more than 30,000 vehicles in the country in just over three years—the market offers both regulatory readiness and strong consumer adoption.
