Security in Israel is a constant topic of conversation for travelers. No wonder, the Israeli-Arab conflict has been generating horrific news for decades. Sometimes you read about mutual rocket fire around the Gaza Strip, sometimes about clashes between autonomous Palestinian territories and the Israeli military. And, last but not least, about the extremely heated reactions surrounding Trump’s announcement that he will recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

If you tell friends and relatives about your planned tour of Israel, you’ll most likely be met with horrified looks and open-mouthed responses: “There’s a war going on!”, “You must be suicidal!”, or “Couldn’t you have just flown to Mallorca? Why Israel?” These are certainly not uncommon comments from the other person. Of course, you can’t be angry with them, after all, it is the media coverage that creates this negative impression. Or have you ever seen pictures of a peaceful market in Jerusalem on TV?

What else you should know:

  • What else you should know:
  • Bad timing for a trip to Israel
  • Israel does everything for its security
  • Is Israel a safe country to travel to?
  • “Problem areas” in Israel
  • Crime in Israel in general
  • How we felt

Bad timing for a trip to Israel

We ourselves had the worst possible timing for our tour: One week before our long-awaited departure to Israel, US President Trump announced that he would officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. It’s important to note that the Palestinians also view East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian state. This conflict has existed for a very long time, but Trump’s decision is now adding fuel to the fire.

The media spoke of a very tense situation and some riots. This naturally unsettled us, as we had planned and already booked a stay in Jerusalem. We therefore contacted our hosts in Jerusalem. The only response was: “Don’t worry, it’s peaceful here.

The media is just trying to sell gloomy headlines again.” So we decided not to cancel the bookings and to see for ourselves. If necessary, we would have simply traveled to Tel Aviv earlier and skipped some places. And what about security in Israel? We wanted to find out.

Israel does everything for its security

Once you land in Israel, you’ll come into contact with Israeli security measures very quickly. Some fellow travelers were “intercepted” on their way from the plane to the gate and questioned about their trip to Israel. Those who were “lucky” at this point will be bombarded with numerous questions at the immigration desk at the latest.

These questions may seem annoying or like an obstacle, but they are already contributing to Israel’s security. Be prepared for the questions and have your booking confirmations and return ticket handy. You can find out more about this here: Entering Israel. The following questions were asked of us and others upon entry and exit:

  • Why are we traveling to Israel?
  • How long do we want to stay? (including checking the return flight ticket)
  • Which places in Israel do we want to visit?
  • Where are we staying?
  • Do we have friends/acquaintances in Israel?
  • Did we pack our own suitcases?
  • Should we bring anything for someone?
  • Was the luggage unattended at any time?
  • Do we have any weapons or objects that could be used as such?
  • What do we do for a living?
  • What religions do your parents follow?
  • How much money do you earn?
  • and so on…

Is Israel a safe country to travel to?

During your stay in Israel, you will be confronted with something that causes astonished glances among us European tourists: soldiers, both male and female, in civilian clothes, armed with machine guns, who also carry their rifles in their free time. Unlike in Israel, soldiers are allowed to take their weapons home. Yes! They’re even taught to carry their rifles at their side at all times—even in bed at night. While that may seem unusual to us, for Israelis, the sight of soldiers and apparent “civilians” carrying weapons is part of everyday life.

Occasionally, you’ll also see and hear jet fighters in the sky. What might seem intimidating at first is nothing more than a way to protect everyone in Israel. This also includes the metal detectors and bag checks at the entrances to shopping malls, train stations, and tourist attractions. It is precisely these security measures that make Israel a safe country for travelers—whether you plan to travel to Israel independently or by rental car, whether you’re traveling alone as a woman, or planning to enjoy the nightlife in Tel Aviv.

It must be said that in the past 60 years, no tourist has been harmed in Israel or Palestine. Objectively speaking, these areas are absolutely safe. An interesting interview with the newspaper “Welt” and theologian Georg Roessler, who has lived in Jerusalem since 1988, was conducted on this topic. Click here for the full interview on the topic of “Security in Israel.”

“Let’s imagine there was a demonstration in Berlin-Kreuzberg with burning car tires, and the entire foreign press was present and reporting on it. Wouldn’t television viewers in other countries then also think that the entire Federal Republic was on fire?”

Theologian Georg Roessler

“Problem Areas” in Israel

Despite all the efforts of the Israeli police and military, you should still avoid some areas or inquire thoroughly about the current situation beforehand. This applies to the region around the Gaza Strip and Palestinian territories such as Jericho, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Hebron. Many rental car companies also prohibit you from driving to these regions.

This is not because people in these areas are hostile towards tourists, but because of the Israeli license plates. The risk of “accidentally” getting caught in the crossfire is highest here. Therefore, you should definitely check the current situation beforehand. If you are unsure about certain areas, it is best to discuss this with the rental car company when you pick up the vehicle.

This also applies to the Temple Mount and Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. There have been clashes here in the past. Does this mean you have to forgo a visit to the Holy City? Absolutely not! It is important to remember that such riots are not the rule, but the exception.

If this does happen during your visit, find out from your accommodation and tourist information centers which areas you should avoid. These areas are immediately cordoned off by law enforcement in the event of “problems,” so you cannot accidentally get caught in the crossfire.

Crime in Israel in general

Israel is no more dangerous than other countries when it comes to petty crime such as pickpocketing. As in Berlin and Barcelona, you should keep an eye on your bags, especially in tourist destinations. Valuables should always be in the hotel safe. Even after check-out, they shouldn’t be left in your suitcase in the luggage storage room.

If you travel through Israel with common sense, nothing should happen to you. Of course, we assume no liability; we are simply describing our impressions here. Anything can happen anytime, anywhere in the world.

How we felt

We never felt unsafe for a second—quite the opposite! We discovered Israel to be an extremely hospitable country. The very helpful and cheerful people played a large part in why we felt so comfortable in this country. You quickly get used to the many security measures, especially when you consider that they also contribute to your own safety.

During our week in Israel, several rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip toward Israel. Of the 24 rockets fired in 2018 (at this time), 18 were fired in this one week alone. What did we notice? Nothing. Most rockets are intercepted by the army in mid-air.

Nevertheless, a rocket alert can occur. Sirens will sound, warning you to seek shelter. But even here, you don’t really need to worry. Shelters are widespread. Pay attention to where the locals are moving. And again: the people there are always willing to help.

Apps for rocket attacks?

There are now also apps (Apple: Red Alert Israel iPhone / Android: Red Alert Israel PlayStore) that warn of rocket attacks and are intended to ensure security in Israel. This way, you’ll receive a notification directly on your smartphone (if you have an active internet connection). However, the app isn’t required; the authorities also send warning text messages directly to people in the endangered areas. This also works without an internet connection, but airplane mode must not be activated.

Israel may not be comparable to Mallorca, of course, but it would be a real shame not to visit this charming country. We found Israel to be a very safe country to travel to. The many security precautions and the readiness of the soldiers may take some getting used to at first, but in the second moment, they also bring with them a feeling of security.

Those who, as in other countries, travel through the country with common sense will have a fantastic time. We are very, very happy to have undertaken the trip. We experienced so much and made so many nice acquaintances. Don’t miss out on this fantastic travel destination; it’s worth it!