Controversy Over Asaf Granit’s Sabba Habib Tahini Production Location in West Bank

A debate emerged on i24NEWS regarding the production site of Sabba Habib tahini, endorsed by chef Asaf Granit. The product label states it is made at Tapuach Junction in the West Bank, but it lacks kosher certification from the Samaria Rabbinate, which is required by law based on production location. Host Niv Gelbo questioned the ambiguity, asking if there is even a factory at Tapuach Junction and expressing concern over the lack of transparency.

Reporter Dana Yarkazi spoke with the factory owner, who admitted the tahini is produced between Tapuach Junction and the Palestinian village of Hawara, about half a kilometer from Tapuach toward Hawara. He challenged accusations of causing discord between him and Granit.

Arab affairs analyst Baruch Yedid clarified that Tapuach Junction has no industrial zones. Heading north toward Nablus, one reaches the village of Beita and then Hawara, where at least two tahini factories operate, including Sabba Habib. These factories are owned by Israeli Arabs and Palestinians, located in Area C under Israeli security control but Palestinian Authority civil jurisdiction. The Israeli Ministry of Health does not supervise these facilities; instead, the Palestinian Authority does.

Sabba Habib responded that their tahini is produced in Area C under Israeli security control, a region known for high-quality tahini production with over 20 factories, including Har Bracha tahini. They confirmed their product is approved by the Israeli Ministry of Health and holds the Beit Yosef kosher certification.