Egypt bans lulav exports to Israel
Agriculture Ministry notified that Egypt will not sell palm fronds to Israel, Jewish communities abroad ahead of Sukkot holiday; no reason given
Israel's Agriculture Ministry says Egypt has banned the export of palm fronds to Israel and Jewish communities abroad.
The fronds, known as lulavim (one of the Four Species mentioned in the Torah), are used in prayer services during the upcoming Sukkot festival.
The ministry says it was notified by Egypt this week. Egypt supplies about 700,000 of the fronds to Israel each year. It says no reason was given.
There was no immediate comment from Egypt.
The ministry says more expensive Israeli fronds are expected to fill the void.
Israel's relations with Egypt have deteriorated since a popular uprising ousted Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in February. Earlier this month, an Egyptian mob stormed the Israeli Embassy in Cairo and forced Israeli diplomats to be evacuated.
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