Smoking Rates Rise Among Arab Girls in Israel, Decline Among Boys

A new study reveals a significant shift in smoking habits among Arab youth in Israel, with regular smoking rates among girls more than doubling over two years, while rates among boys continue to decline. The research, conducted by Nas-Nas Company for the Anti-Smoking Project, tracked changes between 2022 and 2026.

Between 2024 and 2026, the percentage of regular smokers among Arab girls aged 12-17 rose from 6% to 13%. Daily smoking among girls also increased from 1% in 2024 to 4% in 2026. In contrast, regular smoking among boys dropped from 46% in 2022 to 29% in 2026, with daily smoking falling from 26% to 17% over the same period.

These diverging trends have narrowed the gender gap in smoking. In 2022, 49% of boys reported smoking in the last month compared to 11% of girls. By 2026, this gap had reduced, with 26% of boys and 12% of girls reporting smoking in the last month.

The study also highlights a change in preferred smoking products among girls, with e-cigarettes and hookahs becoming more popular than traditional cigarettes. In 2026, 42% of smoking girls identified e-cigarettes as their primary product, followed by hookahs at 40%. Among boys, traditional cigarettes remained the most common product at 43%.

Dr. Amal Khiyat, Director of the Arab Society Division at the Initiative to Eliminate Smoking, described the findings as concerning but also hopeful. She noted the continued decline in smoking among boys as an encouraging sign, but stressed the urgent need to address the rise in smoking among girls before it becomes more entrenched. Dr. Khiyat emphasized that tackling smoking requires considering the specific needs of the Arab community and involving its leaders in policy-making.

The study is based on surveys conducted in 2022, 2024, and 2026, with the latest survey in early 2026 involving 395 Arab youth aged 12-18 and 1,685 adults. Comparisons for youth are limited to the 12-17 age group.