Smoking Rate in Israel: 20.5% — About 30% Higher Than the Global Average
According to the 2024 smoking report published today (Sunday) by the Ministry of Health, the smoking rate in Israel stands at 20.5%—about 30% higher than the global average.
The report also paints a troubling picture regarding the pace of smoking cessation in Israel, which is about 50% slower than the average in OECD countries. Simultaneously, the state warns of particularly high rates of secondhand smoke exposure in the Arab sector—nearly twice as high as in the Jewish one.
The Electronic Cigarette Is the Most Common Smoking Product
The data show that the electronic cigarette is the most common smoking product among teens, with 53% of those who experimented with smoking reporting it as their first smoking product. Use of flavored smoking products is especially high among youth as they represent 88% of hookah users, 82% of e-cigarette users, and 45% of regular cigarette and roll-your-own tobacco smokers. Survey data from ultra-Orthodox youth also show unusually high rates of smoking—particularly among dropouts.
Visual Warnings Required for the First Time
Alongside the current situation, the report outlines a series of steps the Ministry of Health took over the past year to combat the phenomenon. Among the key measures: new regulations requiring graphic health warnings on tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
This is the first time in Israel that manufacturers will be required to include visual, not just textual, warnings on cigarette packs and related products.
Ban on Flavored E-Cigarettes Proposed
The Ministry is now advancing additional measures, including a ban on the sale of single-use vaping devices, and a ban on the sale of flavored e-cigarettes. The report also notes that 82 municipalities and local councils reported enforcement activity to prevent smoking in public places. However, 65% of local authorities do not report at all, and a significant portion of those who do fail to enforce the law.
Minister: “A Lethal National Epidemic”
Health Minister Uriel Buso emphasized that “the smoking epidemic continues and remains one of the deadliest risk factors in Israel.” He added: “We are using every tool to reduce exposure, access, and addiction—especially to prevent young people from becoming smokers. Public awareness campaigns, the national quit hotline, and the new regulations are all part of a nationwide fight.”
Director General of the Ministry of Health Moshe Bar Siman Tov and Head of Public Health Dr. Sharon Alroy-Preis also warned about the rise in e-cigarette use and its consequences: “It’s a dangerous product, especially for teenagers,” said Alroy-Preis.
They noted that the Ministry has established a national task force to combat smoking and is promoting public campaigns, increased taxation, and smoke-free environments across all sectors of society.
