Is Israel safe place to visit? What is it like in Israel now

Posted by: Diana Gasper

Despite what you see in the news, Israel is actually a very safe country to travel to. In fact, in a recent study, Israel was actually ranked as the fifth safest country in the world for tourists to travel to, trumping the UK, the US, and most European countries!

It’s easy to associate all of Israel with Gaza and the West Bank. But you must remember that these aren’t areas where most people live. They certainly aren’t the areas that travelers visit. The main tourist areas- Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, the Negev, Nazareth, the Dead Sea – remain as safe as always.

What is the security situation now?

Israel is in a continuous state of conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. Every once in a while, after the conflict starts brewing, there is a small “war” or operation. During these small wars, rockets are fired at Israel. The rockets are generally fired at the south or north of Israel, depending on who the conflict is with. Occasionally, rockets are aimed at more central parts of Israel. Israel has a very effective defense system called the Iron Dome, which intercepts rockets. As an extra caution, there are sirens in specific areas to warn citizens to take cover in a bomb shelter, or a “miklat.” In usual times, these operations occur no more than once or twice a year for a couple of days.

How does this impact tourism?

It’s understandable to be cautious about traveling to Israel considering how the conflict appears on world news. However, it’s statistically very safe to travel in Israel. Personal safety in Israel is always incredibly high and crime very low, especially when compared to many Western countries and cities. In regards to crime, traveling in Israel is actually safer than staying at home in the UK, USA, or most other western countries.

That being said, there are parts of Israel that are not safe to travel to. All travelers are advised against traveling to Gaza, and the area surrounding the Gaza strip.

Tourists should also be very vigilant when traveling in the West Bank or East Jerusalem, including the city of Bethlehem. While the area is safe for tourists, transport can be tricky therefore travelers are encouraged to only go to these areas as part of an organized tour.