Warning for those arriving at Ben-Gurion — what will be confiscated at the border

The Ministry of Agriculture warns passengers returning to Israel before Sukkot: lulav, etrog, myrtle, and willow purchased abroad may be confiscated at the border due to the risk of importing pests. As compensation, travelers will be offered an individual locally produced set.

Israel's Ministry of Agriculture warns passengers returning to the country before the Sukkot holiday: the four species of plants (lulav, etrog, myrtle, and willow) purchased abroad may be confiscated at the border. The reason is the risk of introducing pests and disease agents that could harm local flora and agriculture. The ministry acknowledges that this may come as a surprise to those who have already paid for a holiday set abroad. As compensation, passengers whose prohibited set is confiscated will be provided with an individual locally produced set. The measure aims to address the practical problem of travelers on the eve of the holiday while simultaneously protecting Israel's agriculture.