Top Stories from Israel
20.5% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 1.4 million current smokers in Israel
27.9% of men are current smokers but only 13.3% of women
Country profile
Data sourced:
2025.
Page updated:
2026-06-16
Smoking in Israel
Current smoking trends for the overall adult population in Israel show a decrease from 2000 (32%) to 2015 (25%), with a projection to decrease further to 22% by 2025. Women’s smoking prevalence has been declining year by year, from 24% in 2000 to 15% in 2015, and is projected to be around 11.5% by 2025. For men, smoking prevalence has also been decreasing, but more slowly, with 40% being current smokers in 2000, 35% in 2015 and a projection of around 33% by 2025. The WHO published prevalence trend estimates in tobacco smoking, as shown here, in their 2018 2nd edition report, which show slightly different smoking prevalence to the WHO country profiles. Data for the estimates were obtained from WHO databases. The trend lines are projections, not predictions, of future attainment. A projection indicates a likely endpoint if the country maintains its tobacco control efforts at the same level that it has implemented them to date. Therefore the impact of recent interventions could alter the expected endpoint shown in the projection. While the methods of estimation used in the first and second editions of the WHO report are the same, the volume of data available for the second edition is larger i.e. 200 more national surveys. The results presented are therefore more robust.
3,985
Deaths
tobacco smoking causes 3,985 deaths per year in Israel.
5.1 million €
Market size of NRT.
The market for NRT is estimated at 5.1 million €.
Nicotine Vaping Devices
in Israel
In Israel, e-cigarettes are legal and regulated as tobacco products. Online sales of e-cigarettes are permitted, and the products are available in general retail outlets. However, the sale of e-cigarettes through vending machines is prohibited. Advertising and promotion are strictly banned in all media, as well as at points of sale. Israel has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for the manufacture and sale of e-cigarettes. Manufacturers are required to notify authorities of new products before they enter the market. Packaging must include clear health warnings, and all containers must be child-resistant and tamper-proof. Sales are limited to individuals aged 18 years and above. Additionally, the maximum allowable nicotine concentration is 2 mg/ml, but flavour restrictions are not in place. The use of e-cigarettes is legally restricted in certain public places.
Heated Tobacco Products
in Israel
Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are regulated in line with tobacco products and are allowed in Israel. However, the law does not allow health benefit claims of HTPs, requires mandatory health warnings on their packaging, and enforces restrictions on their flavours.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
in Israel
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is allowed in Israel. This includes the sale and purchase of NRT products without a prescription from pharmacies. However, NRT products are not included on essential drugs list in Israel, but the government partially covers NRT cost. The market size of NRT products in Israel was estimated to be 5.1 million € in 2019.
Snus
in Israel
Used in Scandinavia for more than 200 years, snus is providing smokers in Sweden and Norway with an alternative to combustible cigarettes. Find out what it is, and why it is considered a safer nicotine product in our briefing paper.
Pouches
in Israel
Nicotine pouches are a relatively new product which can provide users of high-risk tobacco with an alternative that poses fewer risks to their health. Read more about nicotine pouches in our briefing paper
The GSTHR database is updated regularly by our team.
However, please be aware that the information we provide does not constitute legal advice.
We cannot guarantee that the information is up to date or accurate, as the regulatory status of different product
categories can change at short notice and with little publicity.
If you wish to check the legal status of use or possession of any safer nicotine product in a specific country or region,
you should verify the information independently.
If you have reason to think that the information supplied on the GSTHR is inaccurate, please contact us with details
and any references and we will rectify any errors.