Figuring it out - the Zionists ready for action

GI Joe, Superman and Wonder Woman are more conventional action heroes.

But one Tel Aviv-based entrepreneur has decided to model his collectable figures on those who built Israel.

Asaf Harari's Zion Action figures include Theodor Herzl, David Ben-Gurion, Moshe Dayan, Menachem Begin and Golda Meir - with Israel's first female prime minister proving to be the best-seller.

To mark Yom Ha'atzmaut, Mr Harari has designed a three-piece collection of "biblical heroes" - King David, King Solomon and King Saul.

"Encouraging people to take pride in Israel is my main objective," said Mr Harari, a graphic designer. "Each action figure is controversial, but they all devoted themselves to Israel. I am trying to keep politics out of it as much as I can."

Mr Harari, who works with his wife Naama, set up Piece of History in 2009 after touring the globe.

The 30-year-old said: "When I travelled the world, I saw that every country had their own action figures – but there wasn't anything in Israel at all."