Israel is located on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean. It is bounded to the north by Lebanon, to the northeast by Syria, to the east and southeast by Jordan, to the southwest by Egypt, and to the west by the Mediterranean Sea. With a population of nearly 9.5 million, the country’s GDP surpassed USD 430 billion as of 2023. One of the major cities, Jerusalem, is a spiritual centre for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, with iconic landmarks like the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Tel Aviv is the capital of Israel and Ben Gurion International Airport is the major airport serving the whole of Israel. The airport is located at a distance of 20 km from the city centre of Tel Aviv and 45 km from Jerusalem. Other important cities of the country include Rehovot, Netanya, and Haifa. The official languages of Israel are Hebrew and Arabic. Approximately 73.8 percent of the population is Jewish, 18 percent Muslim, 1.9 percent Christian, and 1.6 percent Druze. The new Israeli shekel, also known as simply the Israeli shekel (ILS), is the currency of Israel.

Travel Date: 08 January – 14 January 2024

Terrorism

• Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities.
• Tel Aviv has occasionally recorded violent attacks and shooting incidents, particularly after the start of the IsraelHamas war on 07 October 2023.
• Several rockets and missiles were launch on 07 October 2023 targeting Tel Aviv, however, the majority of the attacks were limited to the south of Israel.
• On 04 July 2023 a vehicle-ramming and stabbing attackwas also carried out by an alleged member of Hamas (Islamist Palestinian nationalist militant group) in Tel Aviv.
• The city of Rehovot reported the death of one and injury of several when a rocket was fired from the Gaza Strip on 11 May 2023.
• Hamas also reportedly launched at least 27 rockets at the south and center of the country on 01 January 2024. Although the air missiles were intercepted; sirens were sounded in various locations across Rehovot.
• Netanya has been a frequent target of Palestinian suicide bombers. A vehicle exploded in the coastal city of Netanya on 02 January 2024 morning, injuring a person, in what appeared to be the third criminal assassination attempt in the city in one week.
• The Netanya Market bombing and HaSharon Mall bombing were key suicide bombing incidents, which occurred on 2002 and 2005 respectively.
• In Haifa, rocket attacks by Hamas were recorded on the port areas of the city on 13 July 2023, killing eight people.
• On 18 October 2023, Hamas group reportedly fired long-range R-160 missiles toward Haifa, which set off sirens in the northern towns of Daliyat al-Karmel and Kerem Maharal.
• With Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Iran-backed Houthis entering the conflict and attacking Israel, the country could face a nation-wide war.
• To prevent and respond to terrorist attacks, the government has implemented a number of measures. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides travel advisories and updates on the security situation at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/israel-west-bank-and-gaza-travel-advisory.html

Crime

• The crime rate is relatively low in Israel, but petty crimes like pickpocketing, purse and mobile phone snatching as well as theft of passports, credit cards and other valuables have been reported in urban and touristic areas.
• Credit card and ATM fraud may occur. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards.
• Online scams and investment fraud against individuals are also on the rise in Israel.
• Israeli Police website features safety tips and emergency contact information at: https://www.gov.il/en/departments/israel_police/govil-landing-page

Civil Disturbance

• Demonstrators frequently gather across Israel to express opposition to the government in place. These demonstrations and strikes often result in disruptions to services and public transportation, and sometimes lead to violent incidents, such as vandalism and clashes between demonstrators and police.
• Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time.
• Security forces sometimes use tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds.
• Tel Aviv has recorded several large anti-government protests. From January to October 2023, large-scale protests took place across Israel in response to the government’s push for a wide-ranging judicial reform. The areas most affected by the protests in Tel Aviv include Ben Gurion Aiport, Habima Square, Menachem Begin Street, Arlozorov Street, Namir Road, Shaul Hamelech Boulevard and Dubnow Street.
• In Haifa, anti-government protests blocked the ports of the city in July 2023, when protesters laid down barbed wire across the road to stop trucks and other vehicles from entering the port.
• Mass protests have taken place around Israel, with demonstrators calling for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza as well as the end of war in Gaza.

Weather

• The average temperature in the upcoming week until 14 January is predicted to range between 12 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius. As the month progresses, temperatures tend to gradually increase.
• Occasional light to moderate rainfall is predicted in Tel Aviv between 10 to 15 January.
• Haifa is predicted to record temperatures between 10 degrees Celsius to 18 degrees Celsius, with light occasional rainfall between 11 to 16 January.
• Rehovot is forecast to record temperatures between 12 degrees Celsius to 21 degrees Celsius. Moderate to heavy rainfall has been predicted between 10 to 11 January.
• Netanya is predicted to record temperatures between 11 degrees Celsius to 19 degrees Celsius. Moderate rainfall has been predicted between 10 to 12 January 2024 and 14 to 15 January.
• For more weather-related information, suggested to visit the official Israel Meteorology Service website at https://ims.gov.il/en

Public Transportation

• The primary mode of transport in Tel Aviv is bus service, operated by Dan Bus Company (blue and white buses) with some lines run by Egged, Kavim, Afikim, and Metropoline. It is advised to download the Moovit app or use Google Maps for real-time bus information and route planning.
• Tel Aviv Central Bus Station is the largest bus station in the country.
• Tel Aviv has four train stations along the Ayalon Highway. The stops are Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv Savidor Central, Tel Aviv HaShalom (near the Azrieli Center shopping mall) and Tel Aviv HaHagana (near the central bus station).
• Residents of Tel Aviv also rely on a bicycle sharing system called Tel-O-Fun for short-distance travel in and around the city.
• Haifa has an advanced public transport system, which includes buses, trains, light rail, underground tube (Carmelit), and service taxis.
• The Carmelit is the only underground train in Israel. The services of Carmelit stops at 1500 hours local time on Fridays and reopens on Saturdays during evening hours.
• The light rail, locally known as Metronit, runs three lines covering the city center to southern and northern regions of Haifa.
• Rehovot’s central bus station can be accessed directly from the Rehovot shopping mall. Most bus lines have additional pick-up stations along Herzl Street.
• The main modes of transportation in Netanya are bus and taxi services. Buses travel to every suburban areas and several express buses operate between Netanya and Jerusalem. Buses number 601 and 605 leave Netanya to Tel Aviv every 15 minutes throughout the day until 1900 hours local time, the last bus departs at 2300 hours local time.

Travel

• Familiarize yourself with traffic and general rules.
• Keep your organization and family members informed about your travel plans for the day.
• It is advised to stay abreast of news reports related to Israel-Hamas war, anti-government protests and demonstrations and plan travel accordingly.
• Ensure to get a local mobile SIM connection.
• Carry valid travel documents, passport and identification documents at all times.

Health

• Currently, COVID-19 triggered by subvariants BA 2.86 and JN.1 is a major concern across the globe, therefore, it is advised to remain vigilant and follow COVID-19 preventive measures like maintaining hand and respiratory hygiene.
• Discuss your travel plans with a doctor if you have an existing health condition.
• If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, ensure adequate stock of medication for the entire duration of stay.
• Stay hydrated and take adequate precautions.

Security

• Advised to stay away from demonstrations to prevent incidental risks.
• Advised to stay vigilant while visiting popular tourist destinations, public transport, and crowded marketplaces.
• Monitor local developments to stay updated on ground situations in the Gaza Strip.
• The Israel-Hamas war could accelerate Jewish ultranationalism in Israel. Hence, the chances of religiously motivated attacks against people of different faith cannot be ruled out.
• It is advised to avoid all non-essential travel to war inflicted regions of Israel until situation de-escalates.
• If you are located in places where air sirens/bomb warnings are ongoing, check google maps for a list of nearby bomb shelters.

General Recommendations

• Remain vigilant and observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities. Exercise caution, avoid unnecessary movement, and stay close to safety shelters.
• Monitor local and international news and social media news channels for updates. Advised to stay cautious of any misleading news amid potential misinformation campaigns.
• Carry passports and necessary documents along at all times.
• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times. Suggested to keep wallet, money and valuables are out of sight, particularly in crowded tourist areas.
• Avoid leaving luggage or valuables in a vehicle and always park vehicle in secure facilities. Keep car doors locked and windows closed at all times.
• Use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business and avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
• Never click a suspicious link in an email or text message asking for your credit card details.
• Follow Embassy website and social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) posts for updates of respective countries.
• In case of emergencies, Indian citizens are advised to contact authorities via call (+97235226748), or email address (cons1.telaviva@mea.gov.in).

Important Contacts

• Police: 100
• Fire: 102
• Medical emergencies: 101
• European Emergency Number: 112
• Magenu David Adom (MDA; National ambulance service): 1-221
• Tourist Police: +972-3-506-3247
• Haifa District Police: +972-4-866-3222
• Rambam Hospital, Haifa: +972-4-825-0211
• Yavne Police Station, Rehovot: +972-8-936-2222
• Kaplan Medical Center Rehovo: +972-8-944-1111
• Netanya Police Station: +972-9-860-5411
• Laniado Medical Center, Netanya: +972-9-860-4444