Jerusalem, 18 February, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Inspectors at Israel’s Ministry of Economy and Industry, in cooperation with the Israel Police, at the start of the month launched what they described as a “large-scale nationwide enforcement operation” to eradicate the “phenomenon of selling explosives and dangerous toys” ahead of the Jewish holiday Purim.

The enforcement also comes as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan began today, Wednesday. During Ramadan faithful Muslims fast during the daytime and celebrate at night, sometimes with fireworks and other dangerous items.

On Purim, which comes in two weeks, is celebrated, in part, by wearing costumes. And young people also like to use fireworks and firecrackers on the holiday, which have been know to be dangerous with people being harmed by their illegal use.

As part of the operation, authorities are inspecting dozens of businesses in Jerusalem, Nazareth, and a number of other Jewish and Arab towns throughout the country. The inspections focus on identifying and preventing the sale, possession and marketing of dangerous toys that could endanger the public.

So far, many items were seized, including dangerous explosives, slingshots, prohibited laser pointers, toy-like shockers, and gas pistols resembling firearms that were intended for sale. The findings were confiscated, and criminal investigation files were opened in accordance with the law against the business owners involved.

Ofir Plot, Director of the Enforcement and Measurement Division at the Ministry of Economy: “I call on parents, teachers and education staff to increase awareness of the dangers related to the phenomenon of trade and use of “dangerous toys” including firecrackers, explosives, weapons that resemble real weapons, and more.”

Gil Tanenbaum

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