Israel Implements Graphic Health Warnings Covering 75% of Tobacco Packaging to Combat Smoking

Starting today, Israel enforces a major tobacco control reform requiring graphic health warnings to cover 75% of packaging for all tobacco and nicotine products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, hookahs, and nicotine pouches. This move aligns Israel with approximately 140 countries worldwide that mandate such warnings, recognized by the World Health Organization as an effective tool to reduce smoking rates and raise awareness of its harms.

The new packaging rules also maintain a standardized design introduced in 2020, prohibiting brand logos, colors, or marketing elements on the remaining 25% of the package. The warnings include images depicting smoking-related damage, health advisories, and contact information for smoking cessation services, tailored to Israel's cultural and religious context.

According to the Israeli Cancer Association, over 12,000 Israelis die annually from smoking-related diseases, averaging more than 1,000 deaths per month. Despite these figures, smoking prevalence remains high, with 24% of Israelis smoking cigarettes and 34% among men. Usage of new nicotine products is rising, with 15% using e-cigarettes (24% among ages 16-24), hookah smoking increasing from 11% to 15% in one year, and 5% of youth trying nicotine pouches. Additionally, 76% of smokers express a desire to quit, and 72% regret starting.

The ongoing security situation has also influenced smoking habits, as about 40% of smokers reported starting, resuming, or increasing smoking due to stress and anxiety related to the conflict. Half of smokers know someone else who did the same.

Moshe Bar-Chaim, CEO of the Israeli Cancer Association, welcomed the law but emphasized it is only one step in the fight against smoking. He called for stricter enforcement of public smoking bans, higher tobacco taxes, advertising restrictions, and banning flavored tobacco products aimed at youth. Violations of the new packaging law carry heavy fines, up to 452,000 shekels for corporations and 226,000 shekels for private businesses. Health authorities hope these graphic warnings will help reduce smoking rates, encourage quitting, and deter youth nicotine addiction.