US Halts Satellite Images of Israel

In an effort to relieve Israeli fears that detailed images of the country may fall into enemy hands, the US government has banned American satellite-imaging companies from taking certain high-resolution aerial images, according to a spokesman for the US Department of State.

The ban continues to allow 2-m-resolution images, which still could detect the presence of objects such as a tank, but prohibits US companies from taking images of Israel with a 1-m camera.
At that resolution, objects as small as a rifle box are discernible. Israel is the only country to receive an exemption.