Israel, West Bank & Gaza

The State Department strongly urges refraining from all travel to the Gaza Strip and southern Israel. Rockets and mortars are still being fired into Israel from Gaza, and the Israel Defense Forces continue to conduct military operations inside Gaza, including air strikes.

In the West Bank, the security environment has improved markedly since June 2007. Nonetheless, demonstrations and violent incidents can occur without warning. Vehicles have also been the target of rocks, Molotov cocktails and gunfire on West Bank roads.

Authorities remain concerned about the continuing threat of terrorist attacks in Israel. A greater danger may exist around restaurants, businesses and other places associated with US interests.

The Old City of Jerusalem is off-limits to US government personnel after dark during the entire week and between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Fridays.