The Health Ministry imposed an immediate ban Tuesday on the sale of flavored oil used in smoking devices such as those used for vaping, which have been associated with recent reports of death and at least one explosion in the United States.
In addition, a statement from the ministry said a total ban is being considered for the sale of e-cigarettes as well, similar to that already in place in other countries.
“I call on the public not to wait for new rules and regulations, but simply to stop using things that hurt their health,” Health Ministry director-general Moshe Bar Siman Tov said.
“Unfortunately we’re witnessing a real danger to the public health from the ever-increasing worldwide use of products of this type.
“The wave of deaths in the United States should serve as a warning to all health authorities in the world to take these measures with the utmost severity,” he added.
The sale of e-cigarettes (used in vaping) were banned in India this month; they’ve been restricted in the United States and other countries. China said Tuesday it, too, would impose new restrictions.