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Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

  • Packing List

After Your Trip

Map - Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza

There are no notices currently in effect for Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza.

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

  • Chickenpox (Varicella)
  • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
  • Flu (influenza)
  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

In Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza, poliovirus has been identified in the past year.

Travelers to Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza are at increased risk of exposure to poliovirus if: 1) they work in health care settings involving direct patient contact, 2) assist in refugee camps or other humanitarian aid settings, OR 3) have limited access to clean drinking water and sanitation .

Vaccine recommendations : Adults traveling to Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza who received a complete polio vaccination series as children, and are at increased risk of exposure to poliovirus, may receive a single lifetime booster dose of inactivated polio vaccine; travelers who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated should receive a complete polio vaccination series before travel. Children who are not fully vaccinated will be considered for an accelerated vaccination schedule .

Polio - CDC Yellow Book

Polio: For Travelers

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza, rabies treatment is often available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

  • Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
  • Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
  • Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

If your trip includes the West Bank and Gaza, you might want to consider getting typhoid vaccine. You can get typhoid infection from contaminated food and water.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

  • Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
  • Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
  • Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
  • Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

Leishmaniasis

  • Sand fly bite
  • Avoid Bug Bites

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

  • Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
  • Avoid domestic and wild poultry
  • Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
  • Bite from an infected rodent
  • Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
  • Avoid rodents and areas where they live
  • Avoid sick people

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

  • Scientists do not fully understand how the MERS virus spreads
  • May spread from to others when an infected person coughs or sneezes
  • May spread to people from camels.

Middle East Respiratory virus syndrome (MERS)

Tuberculosis (TB)

  • Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

  • Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
  • Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
  • Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
  • Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Although Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

  • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
  • Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
  • Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
  • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
  • 2-undecanone
  • Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

  • Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
  • Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

  • Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
  • Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
  • Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
  • If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
  • Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
  • Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
  • Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

  • Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
  • Do not dive into shallow water.
  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
  • Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

  • Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
  • Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
  • Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
  • Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
  • If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

  • Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
  • Go to a doctor right away.
  • Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

  • Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

  • Use latex condoms correctly.
  • Do not inject drugs.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
  • Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
  • If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

  • Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
  • Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
  • Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
  • Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
  • Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
  • Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

  • Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
  • Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
  • Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

  • Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
  • Make sure there are seatbelts.
  • Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
  • Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
  • Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
  • Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

  • Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
  • Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
  • Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

  • Wear a seatbelt at all times.
  • Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
  • When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
  • Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
  • Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
  • If you choose to drive a vehicle in Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
  • Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
  • Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
  • Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
  • If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
  • Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Note that the US Department of State urges US citizens to exercise caution when traveling to the West Bank and strongly urges US citizens to avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip. See http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/israel-travel-warning.html for more information.

Before you leave

  • Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
  • Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
  • Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

  • Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
  • Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
  • Follow all local laws and social customs.
  • Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
  • Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
  • If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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  • International

October 10, 2023 - Israel-Hamas war news

By Kathleen Magramo , Jessie Yeung , Adam Renton, Ed Upright, Joshua Berlinger, Aditi Sangal , Dakin Andone , Steve Almasy, Tori B. Powell and Elise Hammond , CNN

US secretary of state will travel to Israel in coming days

From CNN's Jennifer Hansler

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks to media with El Salvador’s Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill at the State Department in Washington, DC, on August 7, 2023.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Israel in the coming days "to engage our Israeli partners directly about the situation on the ground" and to navigate how the US can continue to support them, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Tuesday.

Blinken is expected to leave on Wednesday and will arrive in Israel Thursday, Miller said.

"The secretary looks forward to meeting with senior leaders in the Israeli government and continuing the discussions he and the president have been having with them since the initial attacks on Saturday," Miller said at a State Department briefing.

US engaged in contingency planning in case situation in Israel escalates

From CNN's Kevin Liptak

The US is engaged in contingency planning in the event the current conflict in Israel escalates, according to US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.

President Joe Biden ordered the planning, which includes consulting with US allies.

The movement of a US carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean is meant to deter other nations or groups from exploiting the situation.

“Let me be clear, we did not move the carrier for Hamas,” Sullivan told reporters at the White House. “We moved the carrier to send a clear message of deterrence to other states or non-state actors that might seek to widen this war.”

“The president has also tasked us with engaging in contingency planning for any and all escalation scenarios,” Sullivan said. “And we are now deeply engaged in that planning. And we're consulting with allies and partners as well about all of the potential scenarios that might unfold in the days ahead.”

Here's a map of the locations impacted by the Hamas-Israel war

After the surprise attack by Hamas over the weekend, Israel is pounding Gaza in response with  deadly airstrikes , displacing more than 100,000 people and sending waves of injured Palestinians to overwhelmed hospitals.

At the same time, Hamas is also firing rockets at Israel.

Here's a look at the impacted areas :

"Without her, there is no value for life.” Father says he won't give up hope on finding missing daughter

From CNN’s Sarah Boxer and Erica Hill

Jacob Ben Senior last heard from his daughter, Daniel, on Friday night when the 34-year-old Israeli-American was on her way to the Nova music festival. He hasn’t slept or eaten in days. 

“My heart, it's on the floor,” he told CNN’s Erica Hill. “She's everything for me. Without her, there is no value for life.”

Senior is in touch with several other families searching for missing loved ones; they’ve connected on WhatsApp to share information, though there is little to be had.

“We don't know anything. The information, it's zero. That drives you crazy. Nobody talks to you," he said.

Senior said he has not had any contact with the Israeli government or US State Department officials but has opened a case with police. He said he has sent DNA from his daughter's personal items for authorities to use to identify her if needed.

Desperate for any clues, Daniel’s boyfriend returned to the site of the Nova festival this afternoon with a group of others to search the area, Senior said.

“They're going through holes in the ground to caves with trees," he said. "She might be sitting on the tree. She is very strong woman.”

Daniel — a medic —served with the Israel Defense Forces’ Oketz unit, which is a special forces K9 unit, according to her father.

“There is hope in the heart,” Senior said. “There is hope. And we're gonna accept whatever God give us. If it's good or if it's bad. We have to be strong like hell.”

Israeli-American soldier died trying to help others, his mother tells CNN

From CNN’s Caroll Alvarado 

Israeli-American Roey Weiser was killed during Saturday’s attack by Hamas, his mother, Naomi Feifer-Weiser told CNN. 

Weiser, 21, was a sergeant who served in the 13th Battalion of the Golani Brigade and was stationed at the Kerem Shalom border crossing, his mother said. 

“He died how he lived, by putting others first and when his base was overrun by terrorists, he went on his own to divert their attention allowing others to escape. Because of his bravery, at least 12 other soldiers are alive today,” Weiser’s mother said. 

Weiser’s father, Yami Weiser, called his son a “hero” when he spoke about his son’s passing. 

“My son Roey fell defending the southern border as a hero,” Weiser’s father posted on Facebook. 

Roey’s mother told CNN that the family was finally able to retrieve his body on Tuesday and that they plan to hold his funeral on Wednesday. 

“Roey lived his life to the fullest, almost always with a smile on his face. He was always looking for ways to help those around him and before he was conscripted, he was a volunteer firefighter who was always the first to jump into action when needed.”

Naomi and Yami were born and raised in the US, but now live in Israel.

Security stepped up around centers of Jewish life in US, Biden says

A security guard stands watch in front of Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel synagogue on October 9, 2023, in Los Angeles, California.

US President Joe Biden said Tuesday that security has been stepped up around centers of Jewish life across the country after the attack in Israel.

"We're also taking steps at home, in cities across the United States of America. Police departments have stepped up security around centers of Jewish life. The Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are working closely with state and local law enforcement and Jewish community partners to identify and disrupt any domestic threat that could emerge in connection with these horrific attacks," he said.

Biden then urged unity.

"This is a moment for the United States to come together, to grieve with those who are mourning. Let's be real clear. There is no place for hate in America. Not against Jews, not against Muslims, not against anybody. We reject, we reject. What we reject is terrorism. We condemn the indiscriminate evil just as we've always done. That's what America stands for" he said.

US has enhanced "military force posture in the region" to ensure deterrence, Biden says

From CNN's Aditi Sangal

US President Joe Biden said Tuesday that the United States has "enhanced our military force posture in the region to strengthen our deterrence."

"The Department of Defense has moved the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the eastern Mediterranean and bolstered our fighter aircraft presence. And we stand ready to move in additional assets as needed," he said.

Biden also warned any hostile parties against taking advantage of the situation in Israel.

"Our hearts may be broken, but our resolve is clear," he said. "Yesterday, I also spoke with the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and UK to discuss the latest developments with our European allies and coordinate our united response."

"This is not about party or politics," Biden says about funding for US allies

U.S. President Joe Biden, accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, makes remarks after speaking by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the situation in Israel following Hamas' deadly attacks, from the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, DC, on October 10, 2023.

President Joe Biden said the US would ensure Israel has the tools it needs to defend itself against attacks from Hamas, saying a call for Congress to help fund the national security of America's "critical partners" was "not about party or politics."

“When Congress returns, we’re going to ask them to take urgent action to fund the national security requirements of our critical partners," Biden said. "This is not about party or politics. It's about the security of our world, the security of the United States of America."

Biden said his administration was "surging" additional military assistance to Israel, including ammunitions and interceptors that would replenish the Iron Dome.

"We're going to make sure Israel does not run out of these critical assets to defend its cities and its citizens."

Americans among hostages held by Hamas, Biden says

US President Joe Biden said Tuesday that there are Americans among hostages taken by Hamas as part of the militant group's attack on Israel.

"We now know that American citizens are among those being held by Hamas," he said.

Biden added that he has directed his team to "share intelligence and deploy additional experts from across the United States government to consult with and advise Israeli counterparts on hostage recovery efforts."

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  • International

October 11, 2023 - Israel-Hamas war news

By Kathleen Magramo , Adam Renton, Christian Edwards, Peter Wilkinson , Aditi Sangal , Dakin Andone , Leinz Vales , Steve Almasy, Elise Hammond , Tori B. Powell , Kaanita Iyer and Maureen Chowdhury , CNN

US State Department warns Americans to reconsider travel to Israel

From CNN's Jennifer Hansler

The US State Department is warning Americans to reconsider travel to Israel in the wake of the weekend’s deadly Hamas attacks.

The agency raised its travel advisory level on Wednesday  to "Level 3: Reconsider Travel " due to civil unrest and terrorism, advising that “the situation in Israel remains dynamic; mortar and rocket fire may take place without warning.”

“Individuals should follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials,” an  updated travel advisory  said.

“While Ben Gurion International Airport remains open, we are aware that several major airlines have announced that they have suspended flights,” the advisory states. “Please check with the airlines on the availability of flights and flight status. U.S. citizens in Gaza who wish to leave and can do so safely are advised to check the status of the Rafah Crossing into Egypt.”

The travel advisory for the West Bank has also been raised to level 3, while the advisory for Gaza remains at the most severe – "Level 4: Do Not Travel."

Biden offers warning to Iran to "be careful" following Hamas' attack on Israel

From CNN's Donald Judd

Biden speaks at a roundtable with Jewish community leaders in the Indian Treaty Room of the White House on October 11, 2023. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP) (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday issued a stark warning to Iran to “be careful” around its actions in the region following Hamas’ attack on Israel.

During a roundtable roundtable with Jewish community leaders on the administration’s efforts to provide support for Israel, Biden stressed the assistance that the US is providing, adding that he's been frequently speaking to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The US is "surging additional military assistance to the Israeli Defense Force including ammunition, interceptors to replenish the Iron Dome, we moved the US carrier fleet to the eastern Mediterranean and are sending more fighter jets there, to that region, and made it clear, made it clear to the Iranians – be careful," Biden said.

In his remarks, Biden also addressed reports of the atrocities committed by Hamas.

“It matters that Americans see what's happening – I mean, I have been doing this a long time, I never really thought that I would see it and have confirmed pictures of terrorist beheading children," Biden said.

Biden pledged the full force of his administration’s commitment to rescuing hostages in Hamas custody, telling the group that while “we're working on every aspect of the hostage crisis in Israel,” if he relayed in detail what steps the administration was taking, “I wouldn’t be able to get them home.” 

“Folks, there's a lot we're doing -- a lot we're doing, I have not given up hope of bringing these folks home,” he said. “But the idea that I'm going to stand here before you and tell you what I'm doing is bizarre, so I hope you understand how bizarre I think it would be to try to answer that question.” 

Some context on Iran: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi spoke to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh by phone on Sunday and later congratulated the Palestinian people for their “victory” over Israel.

On Monday, however, Iran’s mission to the United Nations said that the Islamic Republic was “not involved in Palestine’s response,” referring to the Hamas attack. “It is taken solely by Palestine itself,” it said.

Israel says Iran supports Hamas to the tune of some $100 million a year. The  US State Department in 2021  said that the group receives funding, weapons, and training from Iran, as well as some funds that are raised in Gulf Arab countries.

The United States has collected specific intelligence that suggests senior Iranian government officials were caught by surprise by  Saturday’s attack , according to multiple sources familiar with the intelligence.

The existence of the intelligence has cast doubt on the idea that Iran was directly involved in the planning, resourcing or approving of the operation,  the sources said .

Note : After President Biden’s remarks Wednesday, an administration official told CNN neither Biden nor the administration have seen pictures or confirmed reports of children or infants beheaded by Hamas. The official clarified that the president’s remarks were referring to public comments from media outlets and Israeli officials.

Federal agencies warn of potential safety concerns in US in wake of attacks in Israel

From CNN's Holmes Lybrand

Federal agencies are warning of the potential of attacks in the US following Hamas’s assault on Israel, citing the pervasiveness of antisemitism in violent extremist groups.

The FBI along with the Department of Homeland Security issued a public service announcement saying that while there is no current intelligence suggesting a planned domestic attack, the potential for such attacks remains a concern.  

“Foreign terrorist organizations and their supporters remain committed to attacking the United States within and beyond our borders,” the PSA said. “In recent years, there have been several events and incidents in the United States that were purportedly motivated, at least in part, by the conflict between Israel and HAMAS. These have included the targeting of individuals, houses of worship, and institutions associated with the Jewish and Muslim faiths with acts of physical assault, vandalism, or harassment," it added. 

The FBI and DHS also noted that antisemitism "serves as a primary driver for attacks by a diverse set of violent extremists" who threaten Jewish communities in the US and across the world.

According to the FBI, terrorist organizations abroad have used previous conflicts between Hamas and Israel “to call on their supporters located in the United States to conduct attacks.”

“Some violent extremists have used times of heightened tensions to incite violence against religious minorities, targeting both Jewish and Muslim Americans,” the PSA said.

Gantz says formation of Israel's war cabinet is a "clear message to our enemies"

From CNN's Radina Gigova

Gantz speaks during during a televised address on Wednesday, October 11.

Benny Gantz, a former defense minister who joined Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and current defense minister Yoav Gallant in a "war management cabinet," said Wednesday that the three men standing together is a "clear message to our enemies."

"The state of Israel is at its most difficult hours. These are faithful days," Gantz said during a televised address. "At this time, there is only one camp, one group -- the camp of the nation of Israel."

He added that "now is the time for bravery."

"Our friends, our families were killed and taken hostages by a cruel enemy. An enemy that should be annihilated with all means necessary," Gantz said. 

The emergency government and war cabinet were announced earlier Wednesday. The government will not pass any laws or make any decisions that do not concern the conduct of the war, the announcement said.

Saudi Arabia making "unremitting efforts" to stop escalation following Hamas attacks, crown prince says

From CNN's Mohammed Tawfeeq

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is seen in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on June 7. 

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said Saudi Arabia "is making unremitting efforts" to stop the escalation in fighting following Hamas' assault on Israel, according to Saudi state-run SPA news. 

The crown prince affirmed, in a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on Wednesday:

"The Kingdom's position of rejecting targeting civilians in any way and taking the lives of innocent people, stressing the need to observe the principles of international humanitarian law," SPA said.

Hamas official in Lebanon claims militant group prepared for attack for 2 years

From CNN's Tamara Qiblawi and Jen Deaton

A senior Hamas official based in Lebanon said militants had been preparing for the attack on Israel for two years, according to an edited interview with Russia Today’s Arabic-news channel RTArabic published on its website a day after the attack.

“We manufactured a lot," said Ali Baraka, head of Hamas National Relations Abroad. "We have local factories for everything."

The factories can make different rockets with maximum ranges from 10 to 250 kilometers, and they can make mortars and mortar shells, he said.

They also produced firearms.

"We have factories for Kalashnikovs and their bullets. We’re manufacturing the bullets with permission from the Russians. We’re building it in Gaza.”

“None of our factions," and “even our allies did not know about the zero hour” of the attack in order to “preserve the secrecy of the battle,” Baraka claimed.

Half an hour after the attack, “the Palestinian resistance factions were contacted, in addition to our allies Hezbollah and Iran,” he said. Hamas also notified Turkey, he said.

Baraka made no mention of any outside involvement in the planning of the attack, saying only that the allies of Hamas “support us with weapons and money. First and foremost, it is Iran that gives us money and weapons. Also Hezbollah.”

Russia inquired about the attack afterward, Baraka said.

“They were updated about our situation and the goals of the battle,” Baraka said.

He also said Moscow was happy for the United States to be distracted by the Israel-Hamas conflict instead of the war in Ukraine.

“Even Russia sympathizes with us. Even the Russians sent us messages (Saturday) morning. There is sympathy. It is happy for America to be embroiled in Palestine. It lessens the pressure on it in Ukraine. One battle eases the other battle. So therefore we are not alone in the battlefield.”

Baraka said that among the goals of Hamas is the release of Palestinian prisoners in the United States.

“We have Hamas members sentenced to life in prison in the US,” he said. “We call on the US to free our sons in their prisons. The US does prisoner swaps. It recently did one with Iran. Why doesn’t it do a prisoner swap with us?”

Context: Baraka is a Hamas political official based in Lebanon. Palestinian factions in Lebanon are not always tightly coordinated with their counterparts in Gaza and the West Bank in part because of severe restrictions on travel on both ends, as well the hollowing out of Palestinian politics in Lebanon starting in 1982. The majority of Palestinians in Lebanon have never been to Palestinian territories. 

27-year-old Israeli-American killed was passionate about protecting his country, family says

From CNN's Allison Gordon and Deborah Doft

Aryeh Shlomo Ziering

Aryeh Shlomo Ziering, a 27-year-old dual Israeli-American citizen, was killed in Israel, his aunt Debby Ziering confirmed.

He was a captain in the Israel Defense Forces’ dog-handling unit.  

Ziering’s parents are from New York and Maine. They moved to Israel after getting married. Although he was born and raised in Israel, Ziering attended summer camp in the United States and grew up speaking English with his parents, his aunt said. 

Debby Ziering also told CNN that Aryeh grew up not wanting to be a soldier, but “when my nephew does something, he does it 200%. And he was very passionate about protecting his country.”

He was a “fun-loving, athletic, great kid.”

At least 13 Latin American citizens dead as several countries begin evacuating citizens from Israel 

From CNN's Abel Alvarado and Heather Law

At least 13 Latin American citizens have been killed in Israel following Hamas' surprise attack on Saturday.  

Colombia's government announced Wednesday the death of a Colombian-Israeli woman who had been missing since Saturday.  

In addition, seven Argentines, two Peruvians, two nationals from Brazil, and one person from Chile have been reported killed after the attacks.

At least 20 more Latin American citizens are missing, with people from Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Paraguay, and Colombia.  

Several Latin American countries have also begun evacuating their citizens.  

Mexico's Foreign Affairs Ministry announced Wednesday on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the first plane carrying 135 Mexican evacuees is en route to its capital.  

In Brazil, the first repatriation flight with 211 passengers landed in Brasilia early Wednesday. A second flight carrying 214 people took off shortly after midday, Brazilian time, from Tel Aviv. Additional flights are expected to fly to Tel Aviv until Sunday.   

Chile has evacuated 209 of its citizens on three flights, according to the country's Foreign Ministry.  

Peru's government reported on X that 16 nationals have been flown out of Israel, and 131 of them are expected to leave in the "next upcoming days." Authorities also informed on Wednesday that a woman who was reported missing had been located and is safe.  

Turkey working to deliver aid to civilians affected by Israel-Hamas conflict, Erdogan says

From CNN's Pierre Meilhan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wants his country to work on delivering humanitarian aid to civilians affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict, his office said Wednesday.

Erdogan made the comments during a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and “stressed that it is important for regional countries to give constructive messages for the termination of the conflicts,” the Turkish presidency said on X , the platform previously known as Twitter.

As Erdogan discussed the aid delivery and the latest developments in the conflict with MBS, the Turkish president also said “it is unacceptable to bomb civilian settlements.” 

Following Saturday’s attack by Hamas, Israel said it has ordered a “complete siege” on Gaza, including halting supplies of electricity, food, water and fuel. 

Erdogan’s office did not say how the Turkish aid would be delivered to the Palestinian enclave.

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US Secretary of State to Travel to Jordan and Israel — State Dept

Reuters

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken gestures while he deboards an airplane as he visits Saudi Arabia in the latest Gaza diplomacy push, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia April 29, 2024. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/Pool

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will expand his trip to the Middle East and continue onto Jordan and Israel after visiting Saudi Arabia, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Sunday.

In a statement, Miller said Blinken will focus on the effort to secure a ceasefire in Gaza that will see the release of hostages and ensure humanitarian aid into the enclave continues or increases.

(Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk; editing by Diane Craft)

War in Israel and Gaza

Palestinians are inspecting the damage in the rubble of the Al-Bashir mosque following Israeli bombardment in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on April 2, 2024, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. (Photo by Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

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DHS Announces Start of Applications for Visa-Free Travel to U.S. for Eligible Israeli Citizens and Nationals

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is announcing the start of visa-free travel for short term visits to the United States for eligible Israeli citizens and nationals following Israel’s admission into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Starting today, Thursday, October 19, eligible Israeli citizens and nationals can start applying for authorization to travel to the United States through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

On September 26, 2023, DHS, in consultation with the Department of State, designated Israel into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which allows eligible travelers to apply online for authorization to travel to the United States through ESTA. These authorizations allow successful applicants to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without first obtaining a U.S. visa. Israeli citizens and nationals with valid B-1/B-2 visas may continue to use them for business and tourist travel to the United States.

Participation in the VWP requires that any citizen seeking to enter the United States visa free be from a country that extends to U.S. citizens and nationals the privileges we would extend to their citizens and nationals. Israel has committed in writing to the United States that all U.S. citizens traveling with a U.S. passport may seek to enter Israel without regard to national origin, religion, or ethnicity. The United States continuously monitors implementation of program requirements by all Visa Waiver Program countries, including Israel, to ensure that they remain in good standing with all program requirements.

Eligible Israeli citizens and nationals must have a biometrically enabled passport book. Travelers who possess non-biometric, temporary, or emergency travel documents, or travel documents from a non-Visa Waiver Program designated country, are not eligible for travel under the Visa Waiver Program and may instead apply for a U.S. visa. ESTA applications may take up to 72 hours for processing. The ESTA application will be available in English only at this time and will be available in other languages no later than November 1, 2023.

ESTA is an automated system that assists in determining eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program and whether such travel poses any law enforcement or security risk. Upon completion of an ESTA application, travelers are notified of their eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. DHS uses the application data to vet travelers before granting authorization to travel to the United States. As part of this vetting process, information that identifies suspected or known violators of the law and other persons of concern will be provided to the appropriate law enforcement, national security, and/or counterterrorism agency.

Individuals traveling under the Visa Waiver Program for an intended stay beyond 90 days may be determined to be inadmissible to the United States. Individuals determined to be inadmissible will be refused admission to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. In addition, individuals admitted under the Visa Waiver Program who overstay their authorized period of stay will be removable under the Visa Waiver Program and ineligible for future Visa Waiver Program travel.

Traveling on a visa may still be the best option for some travelers such as those who would like to stay in the United States longer than 90 days or those who think they may wish to extend their stay or change their status once in the United States. 

ESTA applications may be found at  esta.cbp.dhs.gov  or download the “ESTA Mobile” app through iOS App Store or the Google Play Store.

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Blinken to Meet With Arab Officials in Saudi Arabia About Israel-Gaza War

The U.S. secretary of state plans to raise the issues of hostages held by Hamas, a potential cease-fire, humanitarian aid and a long-term political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken waving as he stands in the open doorway of a plane with the seal of his office on it.

By Edward Wong

Reporting from Washington

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday to speak with top Arab officials and try to figure out possible solutions for the thorniest issues of the Israel-Gaza war, including humanitarian aid, reconstruction and hostages, the State Department said on Saturday.

One of Mr. Blinken’s priorities on Monday and Tuesday will be discussing “ongoing efforts to achieve a cease-fire in Gaza that secures the release of hostages,” a department spokesman, Matthew Miller, said in a statement. He added that Mr. Blinken would underscore his belief that it is Hamas that stands in the way of a cease-fire for the Palestinian people, since the group is not budging on the hostage negotiations.

Saudi Arabia is hosting a three-day meeting of the World Economic Forum, and top Arab officials, including Mr. Blinken’s diplomatic counterparts, are attending. They include senior ministers from Qatar and Egypt, which have been the two Arab mediators in multiple rounds of talks over a potential hostage agreement between Israel and Hamas.

The forum’s website says Mr. Blinken will be in a half-hour public “conversation” starting at 12:45 p.m. on Monday, the final day of the conference.

American officials are pushing for Hamas to release about 40 of the 100 or more hostages it is holding in exchange for the liberation of many more Palestinian prisoners and a six-week cease-fire. U.S. officials say that would be the first step in securing a permanent cease-fire, and Israel supports the proposal. However, Hamas has insisted on a commitment to a permanent cease-fire, and many Arab officials, including in Saudi Arabia, have been calling for the same; those officials say that such a cease-fire should take place immediately.

Mr. Blinken and other top aides of President Biden have also been trying to push for a long-term political solution to the conflict. In their best-case scenario, they envision Saudi Arabia and perhaps a few other Arab nations agreeing to normalize diplomatic relations with Israel. In exchange, Saudi Arabia would receive advanced weapons and security guarantees, including a mutual defense treaty , from the United States, and a commitment for U.S. cooperation on a civilian nuclear program in the kingdom .

For its part, Israel would have to commit to a concrete pathway to the founding of a Palestinian nation, with specific deadlines, U.S. and Saudi officials say.

Before the war started last October, U.S. and Saudi officials were in intense discussions to reach an agreement on the terms of such a proposal. For those negotiators, a big question at the time was what Israel would agree to. Since the war began, the Americans and Saudis have publicly insisted that Israel must agree to the existence of a Palestinian state.

But Israeli leaders and ordinary citizens have become even more resistant to that idea since the Oct. 7 attacks, in which Hamas and allied gunmen killed more than 1,200 people and took about 240 people as hostages. About 100 of the hostages were released last November in a prisoner swap during a weeklong cease-fire. The Israeli military has launched attacks to eradicate Hamas from Gaza, where the health ministry says more than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed.

Mr. Miller also said on Saturday that Mr. Blinken planned to discuss “continued progress on climate change mitigation and the global energy transition” at one of the World Economic Forum events. The secretary also expected to attend a meeting of ministers from nations in the Gulf Cooperation Council, a regional organization, to talk about security coordination.

An Israeli official told The New York Times on Friday that Mr. Blinken planned to visit Israel while in the region.

If Mr. Blinken does go there, the topics he is likely to discuss would no doubt be the same ones on his agenda for Riyadh, including increasing humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza, a potential political solution in the form of a multicountry megadeal and the impasse over a hostage/cease-fire agreement. He would also probably discuss Israel’s plans for a major offensive in the Rafah area of Gaza, which Mr. Biden opposes.

The details of Mr. Blinken’s scheduled trips to the Middle East often change at the last minute . As of Saturday night, the State Department has not announced any stops beyond Riyadh.

Edward Wong is a diplomatic correspondent who has reported for The Times for more than 24 years from New York, Baghdad, Beijing and Washington. He was on a team of Pulitzer Prize finalists for Iraq War coverage. More about Edward Wong

Our Coverage of the Israel-Hamas War

News and Analysis

As diplomats converged in the Middle East, seeking a cease-fire in Gaza , Israel wrestled with whether to go forward with a ground invasion of Rafah , a city in the enclave’s south where more than a million Palestinians have fled the war.

Israeli officials increasingly believe that the International Criminal Court is preparing to issue arrest warrants  for senior government officials on charges related to the conflict with Hamas.

World Central Kitchen said that it would resume operations in Gaza  with a local team of Palestinian aid workers, nearly a month after seven of its workers were killed in an Israeli attack.

Campus Protests in the U.S.: On quads and lawns from coast to coast, U.S. colleges are grappling with a groundswell of student activism  over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Administrators are having to make controversial decisions .

Cracking Down on Protests: Grief and rage over the Gaza war and Israel have led to demonstrations across the Arab world. Arrests suggest governments fear the outrage could boomerang .

Imagining Gaza’s Reconstruction: International development agencies have been meeting with Middle East business interests and urban planners to map out an economic future for the territory .

Showing Liberal Dismay: Representative Mark Pocan, the progressive Democrat from a rural, mostly white Wisconsin district, is determined to let President Biden know that it is not just young people of color who are concerned about the war .

US senator questions whether State Dept properly assessing Israel conduct

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Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk; Writing by Andy Sullivan; Editing by Mark Porter

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us department of state travel to israel

Thomson Reuters

Humeyra Pamuk is a senior foreign policy correspondent based in Washington DC. She covers the U.S. State Department, regularly traveling with U.S. Secretary of State. During her 20 years with Reuters, she has had postings in London, Dubai, Cairo and Turkey, covering everything from the Arab Spring and Syria's civil war to numerous Turkish elections and the Kurdish insurgency in the southeast. In 2017, she won the Knight-Bagehot fellowship program at Columbia University’s School of Journalism. She holds a BA in International Relations and an MA on European Union studies.

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Reported Indian role in assassination plots a 'serious matter', White House says

The White House said on Monday it viewed the reported role of the Indian intelligence service in two assassination plots in Canada and the United States as a serious matter.

Protests continue on Columbia University campus in support of Palestinians

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  1. Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Travel Advisory

    Reconsider travel due to terrorism and civil unrest. U.S. government employees in Israel under Chief of Mission security responsibility are currently restricted from all personal travel to the West Bank, except: U.S. government employees can use Routes 1, 90, and 443 at any time. U.S. government employees are permitted personal travel to Jericho.

  2. Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza International Travel Information

    Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.

  3. Updated FAQs Regarding New Israeli Travel Procedures for U.S. Citizens

    By phone ( for denial of entry only ): U.S. citizens may call the Embassy at the phone numbers on our website: U.S. Citizen Services - U.S. Embassy in Israel (usembassy.gov) ( +972-2-630-4000) You may also wish to contact the auditor for the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority at [email protected] to report discrimination at an airport ...

  4. Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza Travel Advisory

    If a U.S. citizen, LPR, or immediate family (as listed above) desires our assistance and has not already provided their information to the Department of State, please email U.S. Embassy Jerusalem at [email protected] with a copy of the individual's travel document as well as an explanation or proof of relationship. Please call: 02-630-4000 for U.S. Embassy Jerusalem and 03-519-7575 for ...

  5. Alerts and Messages

    Alerts and Messages. Level 3: RECONSIDER TRAVEL - Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Travel Advisory. Read More. Updated with information on travel restrictions for U.S. government employees under Chief of Mission security responsibility. Read More.

  6. Travel to Israel, the West Bank, Morocco, and Algeria, March 26-30

    Summary Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken travels to Israel, the West Bank, Morocco, and Algeria March 26-30 to consult with partners on a range of regional and global priorities, including the Russian government's war on Ukraine, Iran's destabilizing activities, the Abraham Accords and normalization agreements with Israel, Israeli-Palestinian relations, and preserving the possibility ...

  7. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expected to travel to Israel Friday

    Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to travel to Israel Friday, an Israeli official told CNN. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on ...

  8. Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza Traveler View

    If your travel plans in Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip: ... Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact ...

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  10. Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem (March 5, 2024)

    E-mail: [email protected]. Website: https://il.usembassy.gov/. State Department - Consular Affairs. 888-407-4747or 202-501-4444. Israel, West Bank, and Gaza Country Information. Israel, West Bank, and Gaza Travel Advisory. Enroll in Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.

  11. Israel's Travel Policy Announcement

    July 19, 2023. The United States welcomes Israel's announcement today that it is changing travel procedures for U.S. citizens traveling to Israel for short term visits, including transit. We understand that these changes are designed to ensure equal treatment for all U.S. citizens, without regard to national origin, religion, or ethnicity.

  12. Israel's Commitments to Extend Reciprocal Privileges to All U.S

    On July 19, 2023, the United States and Israel signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Extension of Reciprocal Privileges and the Visa Waiver Program (MOU on Reciprocity), which details the steps Israel is committed to take to extend reciprocal privileges to all U.S. citizens and nationals traveling to or through Israel for short term travel for business, tourism, or transit as required ...

  13. US secretary of state will travel to Israel in coming days

    Kevin Wurm/Reuters. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Israel in the coming days "to engage our Israeli partners directly about the situation on the ground" and to navigate how ...

  14. Israel's Travel Policy Announcement

    JULY 19, 2023. The United States welcomes Israel's announcement today that it is changing travel procedures for U.S. citizens traveling to Israel for short term visits, including transit. We understand that these changes are designed to ensure equal treatment for all U.S. citizens, without regard to national origin, religion, or ethnicity.

  15. US State Department warns Americans to reconsider travel to Israel

    The US State Department is warning Americans to reconsider travel to Israel in the wake of the weekend's deadly Hamas attacks. The agency raised its travel advisory level on Wednesday to "Level ...

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  17. 'Reconsider travel to Israel': US issues advisory for Israel, West Bank

    The US State Department raised its travel advisory for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza on Thursday due to ongoing violence between Israel and Hamas and ethnic riots in Israel.

  18. Ambassador Fick's Travel to Israel

    Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nathaniel C. Fick will travel to Tel Aviv, Israel from June 26 to 29, 2023 to participate in Israel Cyber Week and meet with Israeli government counterparts and representatives of the U.S. and Israeli private sectors. At Israel Cyber Week, an annual international cybersecurity event in its […]

  19. US Secretary of State to Travel to Jordan and Israel

    WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will expand his trip to the Middle East and continue onto Jordan and Israel after visiting Saudi Arabia, State Department spokesperson ...

  20. DHS Announces Start of Applications for Visa-Free Travel to U.S. for

    On September 26, 2023, DHS, in consultation with the Department of State, designated Israel into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which allows eligible travelers to apply online for authorization to travel to the United States through ESTA. ... ESTA is an automated system that assists in determining eligibility to travel to the United States under ...

  21. Blinken to Meet With Arab Officials in Saudi Arabia About Israel-Gaza

    Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday to speak with top Arab officials and try to figure out possible solutions for the thorniest issues of the Israel ...

  22. US senator questions whether State Dept properly assessing Israel

    Humeyra Pamuk is a senior foreign policy correspondent based in Washington DC. She covers the U.S. State Department, regularly traveling with U.S. Secretary of State.