One-third of Israelis return to smoking amid war anxiety, new data shows

The survey found that 23% of Israelis are regular cigarette smokers, with rates higher among men (30%) and lower among high-income earners (15%).

By Pesach Benson, TPS

Ahead of World No Tobacco Day, health organizations in Israel issued stark warnings about the state of smoking in the country, pointing to rising rates among youth and a significant relapse among adults in recent months.

A pair of new reports, released on Wednesday by the Israel Cancer Association and the Israeli Pulmonary Association, revealed troubling trends, including a rise in smoking attributed to the war.

The Israel Cancer Association’s latest survey found that approximately one-third of Israelis have recently started or returned to smoking, largely due to stress and anxiety related to war.

About 5% of current smokers said they have increased their smoking since the start of the war.

The association noted that 154 Israelis die each week from illnesses linked to smoking — more than 8,000 deaths annually, including 800 from passive smoke exposure.

“We are very concerned about the smoking phenomenon in Israel, which shortens life expectancy, causes many diseases and death. Continuing the fight against smoking in Israel is a national goal that saves lives and must be expressed in vigorous and budgeted activity,” said Moshe Bar-Haim, CEO of the Israel Cancer Association.

The survey found that 23% of Israelis are regular cigarette smokers, with rates higher among men (30%) and lower among high-income earners (15%).

E-cigarette use stands at 12% overall, rising to 18% among young people aged 16 to 24. Alarmingly, 71% of smokers regret starting, and three-quarters want to quit to some extent.

However, many cite psychological barriers, enjoyment, or long-standing habits as obstacles.

Passive smoking remains a widespread issue, with 91% of Israelis reporting exposure in public spaces.

The most common locations include streets (65%), public parks (47%), restaurants and cafes (47%), and bus stops (46%).

About half of the public has avoided certain places because of smoking, and among non-smokers, 65% said they would not consider dating a smoker.

The Israel Cancer Association’s data also highlights gaps in public understanding of existing laws.

Only 37% of respondents were aware that the ban on smoking in public places includes e-cigarettes, and awareness was even lower (27%) among young people aged 16 to 24.

In a separate position paper, the Israeli Pulmonary Association called smoking one of the most devastating and preventable epidemics facing the country.

Despite legislative progress—including bans on smoking in public spaces, on public transportation, and on the sale of cigarettes to minors—enforcement remains inadequate.

“Smoking is the most important preventable cause of disease that exists,” the pulmonologists wrote.

“It causes chronic lung diseases, heart disease, cancer, and significant suffering. New tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco, are not safe—they also contain carcinogens and toxins.”

The association emphasized the need for an all-out campaign to reduce smoking rates, including higher taxes on tobacco products, expanded bans in places like schools and beaches, and a crackdown on aggressive marketing by tobacco companies.

They also urged the government to reinvest a portion of the 7 billion shekels it collects annually from tobacco taxes into prevention, cessation, and public education efforts.

“We must see comprehensive and vigorous action from the Ministries of Health, Finance, Education, and the IDF,” the association stated.

“We call for stronger education campaigns, better enforcement, subsidized cessation programs, and a national commitment to reducing smoking.”

World No Tobacco Day, established by the World Health Organization, raises awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and promotes programs and policies that encourage people to quit smoking.

According to WHO figures, over 8 million people die every year due to smoking-related causes, including More than 7 million deaths from direct tobacco use and another 1.3 million from exposure to secondhand smoke.