New figures from the Israel Tax Authority show that vehicle imports into Israel are running far ahead of last year.

September 2026

Private vehicles: 20,486, up 5.5% from 19,413 in September 2025.

Commercial vehicles: 784, up 8.7% from 721.

September imports of private cars were lower than in a normal month because of the Tishrei holidays.

January to September

A total of 222,160 vehicles were imported in the first nine months of 2026, compared with 156,115 in the same period of 2025, a rise of 42.3%.

Why the jump

Stronger imports in February–June and in August 2026, helped by a weak dollar.

A low starting point in 2025: many importers brought cars in early, in December 2024, before the purchase tax on electric vehicles went up and the green tax formula changed. A smaller pull-forward also happened in December 2025.

The Tax Authority says its trend data shows passenger car imports have been rising since the second half of 2025.

What it means for importers

Higher volumes mean more pressure on port handling and customs clearance for vehicles. Importers should keep an eye on exchange rates and any further changes to purchase tax or green taxation, which have a direct effect on the timing of shipments.