No, pork is not banned in Israel under civil law.
While Jewish law forbids the consumption of pork, Israeli civil law allows its sale and consumption. However, there are certain restrictions in place. Here's a breakdown:
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Jewish Religious Law (Halakha): Pork is considered non-kosher and is prohibited for observant Jews.
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Israeli Civil Law: The sale and consumption of pork are legal for all citizens of Israel.
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Restrictions:
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Kosher Establishments: Public service institutions (like government offices) and the Israeli army are required to serve kosher food, effectively banning pork from these establishments.
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Areas with large Ultra-Orthodox populations: While not legally banned, the open sale of pork might be restricted or less prevalent in areas with a large Ultra-Orthodox Jewish population out of respect for religious sensitivities.
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Pork Consumption: Despite religious restrictions, pork is consumed by many Israelis, especially those of non-Jewish or secular Jewish backgrounds.
In summary, while religious dietary laws prohibit pork consumption for Jews, Israeli law does not ban pork outright, though some practical restrictions exist in public institutions and certain areas.
