Israeli media has described Egypt's decision to ban the export of palm fronds to Israel a “shocking decision.” Israeli media said the decision would never have been taken during the reign of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Mubarak was always keen on pleasing Israelis all over the world during the Jewish feasts through exporting tons of Egyptian palm fronds, which are an important part of the Feast of Tabernacles in Judaism. Israeli newspapers Yedioth Ahronoth and the Marker and Channel 7 said the reason for the decision was the absence of Mubarak. More than 700,000 palm fronds were exported to Israel under Mubarak, they reported. Israelis across the world use palm leaves in their prayers and religious celebrations, including the Feast of Tabernacles. Israeli media said the Egyptian decision will cause a major crisis in the Israeli government, which will have to import palm fronds from other countries. Although Israelis prefer Egyptian palm fronds, they will import them from other countries even though the price is higher – up to 100 Hikal for one palm frond.
