Israel Country Report

Israel is a Jewish and democratic state situated on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea, bordering Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. Israeli forces currently occupy the neighboring territories of the Golan Heights in the northeast and the West Bank in the central east, while maintaining border controls over the Gaza Strip along the southern Mediterranean coast. The government is a parliamentary democracy that experiences tensions between liberal and far-right Jewish elements. Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in as Prime Minister of Israel in late December 2022 after the country held legislative elections in November. He leads a right-wing coalition that has drawn controversy over its plans to overhaul the country’s judicial system. Thousands of demonstrators have staged protests in major cities to denounce the government’s judicial reform plans, arguing that such changes would weaken the country’s judiciary and democracy.

In addition to heightened tensions with Iran and its proxies throughout the region, Israel faces several Palestinian militant groups in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. These militant groups regularly attempt to attack Israeli security forces and civilians. The likelihood of such attacks, including rocket fire from the Gaza Strip, increases during high tensions surrounding controversial political developments or anniversaries marking key events.

The Israeli economy is well developed and linked to other advanced economies around the world. The primary threats to travelers are from petty crime and road-traffic accidents. Other threats include rocket fire from southern Lebanon and incidental exposure to lone-wolf militant attacks. The infrastructure is very well developed. Security checkpoints are common and can cause disruptions to transport and business operations.

Palestinian militants, led by Hamas, launched a mass attack and a sustained barrage of rocket fire from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel Oct. 7 prompting a massive military reaction, including the mobilization of large numbers of reservists, from Israel. Tensions are hostile with Syria, Lebanon, and Iran. Escalating tensions with Iran threaten to devolve into violence that would mostly take place in Syria, although there is a risk of rocket attacks on the Golan Heights by Syria-based Iranian forces. Israel has been increasingly staging attacks against Iran-linked groups in Iraq, threatening tensions with Baghdad. Terrorism is a concern in Israel. Palestinian militants stage attacks, often involving knives, firearms, and vehicle-ramming tactics, against security forces. Israeli civilians have been killed or wounded in such militant attacks. Various militant groups classify the destruction of Israel as their primary objective. Stringent counterterrorism efforts mitigate the terrorist threat. Petty theft and street crime often target tourists and pilgrims. Potentially violent protests can be held over various political and socioeconomic issues, particularly in Jerusalem's Old City and various other areas in East Jerusalem.

There are no major concerns over air travel.

An excellent system of roads connects all towns. Conditions are often heavily congested during peak travel hours.

Utilities are generally good, and there are no major concerns with electricity, water, and gas provision.

Israel has increasingly focused on the growing threat from cyberattacks amid a rising number of security incidents targeting government and military websites. Companies with government contracts could be targeted to gain entry into the systems of state-controlled industries and government agencies.

Unexploded ordnance (UXO) and landmines are present in parts of the country. Minefields are generally well marked. Earthquakes are typically minor in strength. There are sand and dust storms during drier months in the spring and early summer.

Medical facilities in Israel are of good quality and modern medical care and medicines are available. However, due to current security events in Israel; healthcare services have been compromised. Some hospitals in more rural areas fall below Western standards. Pharmacies are well supplied and prevalent in major city centers. They may be more difficult to find in rural areas. Tap water is safe to drink.

The political situation is generally stable, although elections have been held with increasing frequency in recent years and political disagreements often rise over the handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in as Prime Minister of Israel in late December 2022 after the country held legislative elections in November. He leads a right-wing coalition that has drawn controversy over its plans to overhaul the country's judicial system. Thousands of demonstrators have staged protests in major cities to denounce the government's judicial reform plans, arguing that such changes would weaken the country's judiciary and democracy.

Corruption exists in Israel, and businesses may encounter demands for bribes or gifts, particularly when dealing with public procurement. The Israeli national police force is professional and well trained. In general, requests for emergency assistance are handled promptly.