iPad
iPadcourtesy of apple.com

Starting on Tuesday, Israel's Communications Ministry has banned the importation of Apple iPad computers into Israel, and will even confiscate those which are brought in by travelers through Ben Gurion International Airport.

The iPad, which is a tablet computer totally reliant on touch-screen, has no keyboard, and visually resembles the popular Apple iPhone.

Officials said the iPad's broadcast WiFi power levels are not compatible with Israeli standards, which are closer to European standards than American ones. The Communications Ministry is in the process of acquiring information on the iPad to begin the process of approving importation.

In the meantime, anyone found in possession of an iPad, such as business people coming into the country, are having their computers confiscated by customs. Customs is charging a storage fee to those who leave their iPads in its care while in country. Anyone trying to sneak an iPad into Israel may be subject to a fine.