Israel vs. The iPad

The iPad, Apple's hot new tablet computer, has got everyone from tech bloggers to Amazon to marketing experts all riled up. But you know who isn't excited about the iPad? Israel. Despite skyrocketing international demand, Israel has banned all iPad imports, even telling customs workers to confiscate the device if found on Israel-bound travelers. Haaretz's Bar Ben Ari and Zohar Blumenkrantz write:

The decision follows the refusal of the ministry's engineering staff to compromise on testing the device's suitability and compliance with Israeli wireless networks. ...

For now, the ministry has not given the device categorical approval required for wireless devices; and ministry officials say its wireless technology is not compatible with Israeli standards. ...

The head of customs at Ben-Gurion International Airport said yesterday they have confiscated 10 iPads, including those their owners declared and on which they offered to pay the 16% VAT required by law.

Israel has raised eyebrows by picking a fight with Apple, one of the most influential and admired U.S. companies. But with Israel staring down the threat of war from Scud-armed Hezbollah, Steve Jobs is probably not the largest concern this week.