Gov't warns against bringing Four Species into Israel without authorization ahead of Sukkot

The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry warns travelers against bringing the Four Species into Israel without authorization ahead of Sukkot, citing pest risks to local flora and agriculture. Inspectors at Ben-Gurion Airport will confiscate prohibited plant products but offer a free locally produced replacement set.

With Sukkot approaching, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry issued a warning against bringing the Four Species — lulav, etrog, hadassim, and aravot — into Israel without authorization, under the Plant Protection Law. The warning targets travelers at Ben-Gurion Airport, where inspectors are reinforcing staff during the High Holy Days due to a rise in smuggling attempts. The ministry cited concerns over pests that could harm local crops and agriculture. Since the start of 2026, over 1,200 passengers have been caught with prohibited plant material, totaling about 3 metric tons of seized products. Inspectors will confiscate unauthorized sets but offer a free locally produced replacement. An exception is made for individuals bringing a single etrog for personal use. Shlomit Tzioni, director of the Plant Protection and Inspection Services, emphasized that each interception is part of a security system to prevent irreversible damage to local agriculture and the export sector. The ministry warned that pests could wipe out entire sectors and undermine Israel's food security.