Guide for Safe Travel in Israel
Israel is a popular destination for travelers. Visitors go to Israel to experience religious, cultural and natural attractions that cannot be found anywhere else. However, Israel is an extremely volatile region with many security concerns that a smart traveler needs to address. You can travel safely in Israel, but there are some precautions and actions you need to take in order to do so.
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Security Issues
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The main threat that most travelers to Israel fear is terrorism. Fortunately, while terrorist incidents do happen in Israel, they are less common and more isolated than headlines would suggest. Most of the incidents tend to occur in areas off the tourist path, so the chances of wandering into a hot spot are slim. Some basic measures, such as avoiding travel by public buses, staying away from disputed Israeli-Palestinian territories and limiting time in congested public areas, can help with security and peace of mind.
A more serious security concern for a traveler is also more mundane: traffic accidents. You are significantly more likely to be killed in a car crash than in a terrorist attack in Israel. Familiarize yourself with traffic rules and be extremely vigilant when in traffic to avoid such problems.
Before You Travel
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Plan out your travels before you set foot in Israel. Figure out exactly where you will be visiting and check those areas for potential security hazards. If an area appears particularly unsafe, and you can not cross it off your itinerary, consult with Israel travel companies and with government websites to figure out how to visit in the safest manner possible.
The security situation in Israel can change very quickly, so it is important to keep yourself up to date on news and problems in the region. The State Department's travel warnings site is an invaluable tool when it comes time for your trip. Check the current travel warnings for Israel and plan your travels accordingly.
If you are traveling with a reputable tour company, you can depend on the company to ensure your safety for much of the time. Such companies work in the region constantly and are therefore far more aware of security issues than you will be as a tourist. Accept their recommendations for travel safety whenever possible.
Safety While in Israel
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Certain areas of Israel are more dangerous than others. In general, the Palestinian territories are the most volatile, and authorities regularly warn against non-essential travel to those regions. Border areas are often the site of military actions, and the borders with Lebanon and Syria are particularly unsafe. The city of Jerusalem, with its inherent tensions, is a more frequent site of security issues than other Israeli cities such as Tel Aviv. Even in Jerusalem, however, you can remain safe with a few precautions. Most major tourist sites have security in place. You should be wary of visiting a site without security, as that can make it vulnerable. The Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock area can have particular security issues, as it is the focal point of many clashes. When tensions are highest, this area is closed to visitors.
If a major security issue occurs while you are in Israel, take advantage of your status as a foreign citizen to obtain security help. Your country's embassy has the responsibility of caring for its citizens in the event of war or other major problems. Contact the embassy immediately in the event of any security problem while traveling.
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