E-cigarettes in backpacks, flavors that attract children: The first demand from the new Knesset

Ahead of the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset, the Israel Cancer Association is calling for urgent legislation against smoking and vaping products. According to its data, 24% of Israelis smoke regular cigarettes, and the association warns of the spread of the phenomenon among young people.

Ahead of the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset, the Israel Cancer Association is calling for urgent legislation against smoking and vaping products. The association's CEO, Moshe Bar-Haim, claims that "tobacco companies have been winning for 25 years" and warns of the spread of the phenomenon among young people. According to the association's data, 24% of Israelis smoke regular cigarettes, with a higher rate among men (34%). The rate of e-cigarette smokers stands at 15% of the population, but among young people aged 16–24 it reaches 24%. Additionally, there has been an increase in hookah smoking from 11% to 15% this year, and in cigar smoking from 2% to 5%. The association calls for key measures: closing the gateway to the smoking world through enticing flavors, limiting marketing promotions, a complete advertising ban, decisive enforcement, and broad heavy taxation equalization.