Israeli Chief Rabbinate Delays Frozen Chicken Imports as Prices Surge and Top Veterinarian Resigns

The Chief Rabbinate in Israel is delaying approval for importing frozen kosher chicken from abroad, contributing to rising local chicken prices amid stalled market solutions. The Chief Veterinary Officer of the Agriculture Ministry approved the import plan but subsequently resigned, reportedly due to disagreements over opening the chicken market. Israeli consumers face high prices for local chicken, a staple with per capita consumption of about 49 kilograms annually, more than double the global average.

Since 2020, prices for popular chicken cuts have surged significantly, with whole chicken breast prices rising 42.2% to 39.4 shekels per kilogram, sliced breast up 25% to 39.9 shekels, and thighs up 42% to 27.7 shekels. Wholesale prices have decreased over recent years, but retail prices have continued to climb, reflecting a large intermediary margin. Local poultry farmers blame retailers for high prices, while also opposing market liberalization and imports.

The meat importer Baladi, controlled by Erez Dehabni, has sought to reduce prices by importing frozen kosher chicken from Brazil. Baladi signed an agreement in September 2024 with a Brazilian supplier to produce kosher chicken products, investing 21 million shekels to adapt the Brazilian plant. Despite initial opposition from Agriculture Ministry officials, the plant was eventually approved for import. However, local poultry farmers filed an administrative petition to cancel the approval, demanding government measures to protect local production.

Baladi has been engaged in a legal battle with the Chief Rabbinate since July 2025 after the Rabbinate refused to establish clear kosher certification rules for imported chicken, citing lack of supervision infrastructure. The Rabbinate requested a four-month extension to prepare recommendations, despite court criticism for prolonged delays. The Supreme Court has urged the Rabbinate to act promptly, but no final framework has been established, prompting Baladi to seek a court order compelling the Rabbinate to respond.

Meanwhile, the Agriculture Ministry stated that import permits were granted after thorough professional review, and that ongoing government efforts aim to balance import impacts with local industry interests. The Rabbinate’s continued delay leaves the market without alternatives, forcing Israeli consumers to pay high prices for chicken with no immediate relief in sight.