Israel has banned the sale of fur for the fashion industry. It became the first state in the world to do this, writes The Jerusalem Post.

“The fur industry is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of millions of animals around the world and causes untold cruelty and suffering,” Environment Minister Gila Gamliel said after signing the amendment, which will take effect in six months. She called the use of wildlife leather and fur in the fashion industry "immoral and, of course, unnecessary."

“Animal fur coats cannot hide the cruel killing industry that produces them. Signing these rules will make the Israeli fashion market more environmentally friendly and kinder to animals,” Gamliel said.

IT'S OFFICIAL: Israel has become the first country in the world to ban the sale of fur!

This historic victory will protect countless foxes, minks, rabbits, and other animals from being violently killed for their skin. https://t.co/S9T5I5jfIP pic.twitter.com/K6HBWq4NSC
— PETA (@peta) June 9, 2021

Fur trade permits in the country will still be issued, but only for "scientific research, education, training, religious purposes and traditions." The latter category has the potential to be particularly controversial because of the role fur plays in the tradition of Haredi Jews, who wear fur hats called shtreimls, although it is possible that these will be an exception, the newspaper notes.

Israel is the first in the world to ban the sale of fur