Published: September 06, 2024
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Israel Travel Advisory and Israel Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Jerusalem: 14 David Flusser Street, Arnona, Jerusalem. Tel: +972-2-630-4000; After-Hours Emergencies: +972-2-622-7250. Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday: 0800-1600.
U.S. Embassy Agron Road Annex: 8 Agron Road, Jerusalem. Tel: +972-2-622-7230; After-Hours Emergencies: +972-2-622-7230.
U.S. Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv: 71 Hayarkon Street, Tel Aviv. Tel: +972-3-519-7575, +972-3-519-7400; After-Hours Emergencies: +972 3-519-7551.
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
An OSAC Country Chapter is active in Israel. Contact OSAC ‘s Middle East & North Africa team with any questions.
Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers to Israel and the West Bank should exercise increased caution due to terrorism and civil unrest. Travelers should not travel to Gaza due to terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Jerusalem and Tel Aviv as being a MEDIUM-threat locations for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.
Israel’s moderate crime rate is lower than that in many major cities in the United States. According to 2022 Israel National Police (INP) statistics, there was a small reduction in violent crime from the previous year, however, there was a slight increase in property crime, vehicle theft, financial and cyber-related crime. Despite the prevalence of property crime, violent confrontational crime is uncommon, typically limited in severity, and confined to specific high-crime areas.
While opportunistic crime rates are lower than several major cities in the United States, they do not represent the complexity of the security landscape in Israel. Over the past several years, Israel has experienced a steep increase in Israeli-Based Organized Crime Syndicate (IBOCS) activity as well as violence among smaller gangs fighting for territory and illicit markets. IBOCS and local gangs have waged war upon each other, conducting hundreds of attacks, to include shooting assassinations, vehicle bombs, stabbings, intimidation shootings, and arson. The violence, often conducted in broad daylight, has resulted in over 400 deaths and hundreds more injured since 2020.
Due to stolen military grade weaponry and explosives in Israel in addition to an increase in cross-border weapons trafficking, assassinations are increasingly becoming more sophisticated. Furthermore, according to a report released in September 2022 by the Ministry of Justice’s Money Laundering and Terror Financing Prohibition Authority, organized crime could be directly linked to 19 percent of all financial crime in Israeli in 2021, up from 6.8 percent in 2020, largely associated to black market loans. Residential burglaries, vandalism, and theft of personal belongings are always a concern. In 2022, there was a 4.5 percent increase in breaking and entering cases filed with the police. Security alarm systems, window grills or shutters, exterior lighting, security patrols, quality locks, and sound residential security operational practices greatly reduce the occurrence of burglary.
In 2022, there was a 33.6 percent increase in vehicle theft cases filed with the Israeli National Police compared to 2021. Criminal organizations capitalized on worldwide supply chain issues with new vehicles and high costs for spare parts. In most cases, local authorities do not recover stolen vehicles; often, thieves will steal vehicles in large cities such as Tel Aviv and HaSharon and drive them into the West Bank to sell in parts. SUVs and trucks account for over 50 percent of the vehicles stolen.
Many Palestinian cities and towns in Areas A and B of the West Bank fall under full or partial Palestinian Authority civil and security control. The Palestinian Civil Police’s (PCP) most recent report on crime in Areas A and B indicated crime rates remained largely steady. Anecdotal evidence indicates that instances of gender-based violence rose during the pandemic. These cases are usually settled within the traditional justice system and not reported to the police.
Settler violence in the West Bank has significantly increased following the October 7th attack. According to ACLED data, in the last quarter of 2023, over 535 violent incidents involved settlers in the West Bank. Reports also indicate a sharp uptick in attacks on Americans assisting Palestinians in the West Bank.
Petty theft is common and occurs in crowded tourist locations, including Jerusalem’s Old City and Tel Aviv. Crime tends to increase after dark within and on the promenade overlooking the Old City, beaches, and other high-traffic tourist locations. Parked vehicle break-ins are common at public beach areas, national parks, and other tourist sites.
Settler violence in the West Bank has significantly increased following the October 7th attack. According to ACLED data, in the last quarter of 2023, over 535 violent incidents involved settlers in the West Bank. Reports also indicate a sharp uptick in attacks on Americans assisting Palestinians in the West Bank.
There are no reliable sources of information for crime statistics in Gaza.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.
The threat of kidnapping remains a concern for U.S. citizens and foreigners in Gaza and the West Bank, although the last documented kidnappings were several years ago. In recent years in Jerusalem and the West Bank, U.S. citizens, including Israelis and Palestinians with dual citizenship, have died or received injuries from acts of violence. Perceived religious and national affiliations were a factor in some of the attacks.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Jerusalem and Tel Aviv as being HIGH-threat locations for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.
Several designated foreign terrorist organizations – such as Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), DFLP (Democratic Front Liberation of Palestine) Fatah Tanzim, and Lebanese Hizb’allah – have a large presence in the West Bank and Gaza and in bordering countries. These groups have attacked Israel for decades and routinely express anti-Israeli and anti-U.S. sentiments. Additionally, splinter groups operate with a degree of autonomy in the area; many do not differentiate between military and civilian targets.
On October 7, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and other Palestinian terrorists launched a large-scale attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip, killing an estimated 1,200 individuals, injuring more than 5,400, and abducting 253 hostages. The attack was the deadliest in Israeli history and has resulted in ongoing military and counterterrorism operations in the Gaza Strip. On October 8, Hizb’allah began launching near daily rocket attacks against targets in northern Israel and the Golan Heights in defiance of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Hizb’allah rocket and drone attacks have resulted in several injuries, including civilians, in the northern border communities. Simultaneously, a few successful or errant Houthi drone and missile attacks out of Yemen have resulted in injuries and property damage in Eilat and Tel Aviv.
Across Israel’s southern border with Egypt, militant activity in the Sinai Peninsula has increased in recent years, making travel along the border areas dangerous. On Israel’s northern border, continued instability in Syria and Lebanon has created a vacuum in which militants – some affiliated with terrorist organizations – have expanded their control and influence over portions of the country.
The following list is illustrative of the types of attacks and security events conducted during 2024 in Israel:
- August 28 – Two car bombs exploded in the Gush Etzion area of the West Bank.
- August 18 – A suicide bomber detonated in south Tel Aviv resulting in injuries to a passerby.
- August 4 – Two killed and two injured during a stabbing attack in the central city of Holon.
- July 27 – An explosive projectile struck a soccer field in Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights, killing 12 and injuring at least 42 others.
- July 14 – Four IDF soldiers were wounded in a vehicle-ramming attack at the Nir Tzvi junction in central Israel.
- April 3 – Four police officers were injured in a vehicle-ramming attack and attempted stabbing near the Eliyahu Crossing in central Israel.
- February 22 – One person was killed and eleven injured in a terror shooting near a checkpoint between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim.
- February 16 – Two were killed and four injured by a gunman at Re’em Junction in southern Israel.
- January 15 - One person was killed and 17 injured during a vehicle-ramming and stabbing attack in Ra’anana.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Jerusalem as being a HIGH-threat location and Tel Aviv as a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, indicating that demonstrations, protests, and/or strikes occur frequently, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond adequately. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Individual acts of politically motivated violence remain a concern. Israeli and Palestinian assailants often demonstrate and protest elections (several during the last couple of years), election results and policy decisions. While there have been several calls for early elections, the next elections are scheduled for 2026.
Protests & Demonstrations
Although local authorities are aware of most demonstrations before they develop, spontaneous demonstrations do occur. Many security incidents and clashes occur in areas where Palestinians and Israelis live or travel near one another. Civil unrest often occurs in response to current events, including but not limited to the deaths of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, calls for a ceasefire agreement, demolition of Palestinian homes, restrictions on worshippers at the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount, and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) incursions into Palestinian areas. In 2024, throughout Israel—to include Jerusalem and Tel Aviv—there have been numerous, widespread, and large-scale protests surrounding domestic politics regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict that have at times resulted in clashes with security forces. These have the potential to continue given the current conflict.
Isolated street protests, unplanned demonstrations, and violence do take place with little or no advance warning, most commonly around the Gaza border, checkpoints throughout the West Bank, some West and East Jerusalem neighborhoods (e.g., Mea She’Arim, Givat Shaul, Katamon, Issawiya, Ras al ‘Amud, Jabal Mukkabir, Sheikh Jarrah, and Silwan), the Government Complex, Rabin Square, and the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv. During the month of Ramadan, there is a significant increase in the number of worshippers – upwards of 200,000 – at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City, particularly during Friday prayers. Demonstrations by the Jewish ultra-Orthodox community can sometimes turn violent.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Following the United States’ 2017 announcement recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the subsequent move of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, the recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and the 2019 announcement that Israeli settlements are not per se illegal, demonstrations, predominantly in the West Bank, took on an anti-U.S. sentiment. Several demonstrations occurred at U.S. government facilities and designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations called for targeting of U.S. persons.
In addition to the relocation of the embassy, a significant spike in anti-American sentiment was noted follow the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict following the October 7th attack given the support and weapons supplied to Israel. Although this anti-American sentiment has subsided, reporting has noted that occasional anti-American protests continue.
Although there is no indication that U.S. citizens are direct targets because of their nationality, the large number of foreign travelers in the region increases the likelihood that crime, terrorism, kidnapping or political violence may have an impact on U.S. citizens.
Law Enforcement
Emergency services usually have English-speaking operators.
The emergency lines in Israel are the following: Israel National Police – 100; Ambulance - 101; Fire - 102.
Under the authority of the prime minister, the Israeli Security Agency is charged with combatting terrorism and espionage in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The Israeli National Police (INP), including the border police and the immigration police, are under the authority of the Ministry of Public Security. The Israel Defense Forces are responsible for external security but also have some domestic security responsibilities and report to the Ministry of Defense. Israeli Security Agency forces operating in the West Bank fall under the Israel Defense Forces for operations and operational debriefing. Civilian authorities maintained effective control over the security services. There were credible reports that members of the security forces committed abuses.
The INP has the primary responsibility for civil security inside Israel, including the municipal boundaries of Jerusalem. Although divided into three administrative and security zones – Areas A, B, and C – Israeli security forces control all entry into and out of the West Bank. Area A contains most major Palestinian cities and is under Palestinian Authority (PA) civil and security control. Area B covers most Palestinian-populated rural areas and is under PA civil control and shared Israeli and Palestinian security control. Area C is under full Israeli civil and security control, as consists of Israeli settlements and Palestinian-populated rural areas (such as land near roads or land adjoining Israeli settlements), as well as the Jordan River Valley. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs produces a yearly Humanitarian Atlas detailing the different zones and other important demarcations.
Police Response
Senior INP officers are generally well trained, professional, and inclined to provide support to U.S. travelers visiting Israel, as well as support the U.S. Embassy’s security needs. The U.S. Embassy generally finds the INP to be supportive and effective at events such as demonstrations or during VIP visits. In the major West Bank Palestinian cities, the Palestinian Civil Police are responsive, but outside of those areas, its ability to respond is limited and can take considerable time and coordination. In the areas of the West Bank where the Government of Israel is responsible for security, the INP has limited ability to respond in a timely manner.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.
While public corruption exists to an extent in Israel, the Israeli National Police and Ministry of Justice are competent in investigating such offenses. The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, and the government generally implements the law effectively. There have been reports of government corruption, although impunity is not a problem. The Palestinian Authority in the West Bank suffers from a reputation of pervasive financial corruption and favoritism/nepotism, leading to diminished credibility within Palestinian society.
Cybersecurity
Cyber security company FireEye identified an Advance Persistent Threat (APT) group, referred to as APT27 and attributed to China, having targeted Israeli companies in recent years. APT27 engages in cyber operations where the goal is intellectual property theft, usually focusing on the data and projects that make a particular organization competitive within its field. APT27 has targeted organizations headquartered around the globe, including North and South America, Europe, and the Middle East. These organizations fall into a range of different industries, including business services, high tech, government, and energy; however, a notable number are in the aerospace and transport or travel industries. APT27 often uses spear phishing as its initial compromise method. APT27 may also compromise vulnerable web applications in order to gain an initial foothold.
Import/Export Restrictions
Security-related delays are common for travelers carrying audio-visual or data storage and processing equipment. During the screening process, authorities have confiscated laptop computers and other electronic equipment, retaining some for lengthy periods and reportedly damaging, destroying, or never returning others. Generally, authorities return most items to the traveler prior to departure or require the traveler to secure the items in their checked baggage. Israeli security officials have on occasion requested access to travelers’ personal e-mail accounts or other social media accounts as a condition of entry. In such circumstances, travelers should have no expectation of privacy for any data stored on such devices or in their accounts.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
