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Tv spot - Sunny: Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, & Eilat

Title: Sunny Israel: A Journey through Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, & Eilat: "Welcome to Israel, where every day is filled with warmth and endless possibilities.": "Begin your journey in Tel Aviv, the city that never sleeps, where modernity blends seamlessly with centuries-old traditions.": "Get lost in the...

Tv spot - Sunny

Visit Israel's TV spot, 'Sunny,' is a beautiful and captivating depiction of Israel's diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. In this commercial, viewers are taken on a journey through Israel's sun-kissed landscapes, from its beautiful beaches to its majestic mountains, and from its bustling cities...

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New Global Campaign for Tourism in Israel starring British TV host Sian Welby

Following the successful “Two Cities One Break” campaign we created for the Israeli ministry of tourism last year, a new global campaign was recently launched based on a concept we created: “Two Sunny Cities. One Break.”

We collaborated once more with last year’s beloved presenter Shir Elmaliach and teamed her up with famous British TV host Sian Welby.

The video, directed by Tal Zagreba, uses Instagram’s stories aesthetics as it follows the two when they travel together in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. In order to attract potential tourists from cold and grey Europe, the main theme in the campaign is the Israeli sun, with Boney M’s “Sunny” played in the background.

The video will be promoted on TV and online across Europe.

An article on Ynet covers the new campaign >

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Security Alert May 17, 2024

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Information for U.S. Citizens in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza

The Department reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for caution and increased personal security awareness as security incidents often take place without warning. The security environment remains complex and can change quickly depending on the political situation and recent events. Please see the latest Israel Security Alert .

U.S. citizens should heed the  Travel Advisory  for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. The U.S. Embassy continues to closely monitor the dynamic security situation in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. There are active military operations and active rocket and mortar fire in Gaza and the Gaza periphery.  Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Violence can occur in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza without warning. If you require emergency assistance while in Israel, the West Bank or Gaza, contact the  U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem  by email ( [email protected] for those in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza or [email protected] for those in Israel outside of Jerusaleml).

Individuals seeking to depart Gaza: As of May 7, the Israel Defense Forces control the Gaza side of the Rafah Crossing. Since that day, the Rafah Crossing between Egypt and Gaza has remained closed. As soon as the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem receives information regarding new exit procedures from Gaza to Egypt, including when crossings resume, we will communicate this to the public immediately.

This remains a complex situation with serious implications for the safety and security of U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens in Gaza in need of assistance should contact [email protected] . U.S. citizens in Gaza are reminded that the U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Gaza as U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling there.

The U.S. government does not control who is permitted to depart Gaza or enter Egypt. Individuals must assess their own safety and risks in attempting to cross the border. Individuals permitted to enter Egypt will likely receive a 72-hour Egyptian visa; all those who cross should have a plan for onward travel from Egypt in this timeframe. U.S. citizens, LPRs and their immediate family members who successfully enter Egypt and require further consular assistance should contact the  U.S. Embassy in Cairo  via the  U.S. Citizens Services Navigator .  Individuals may apply for a U.S. visa at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate; U.S. immigration laws and regulations will apply.

We continue to work in partnership with Egypt and Israel towards safe passage for U.S. citizens, LPRs, and their immediate family members.

Immediate family members of U.S. citizens include:

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• parents of U.S. citizens.

If the U.S. citizen is under 21, immediate family will also include any siblings who are also unmarried and under 21.

Immediate family members of LPRs include:

• unmarried children under 21 years of age.

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Israel’s business environment shares U.S.-style conventions, which makes most U.S. businesspeople feel very comfortable in doing business in Israel.

American business travelers will find the dress code in both the public and private sectors to be much less formal than in the United States. A business suit is appropriate in meetings with high level executives and government officials, and ties are optional.

Appointments can be made on fairly short notice; however, reconfirming appointments is advised, given that most Israelis tend to have busy, dynamic schedules. Israelis arrive well prepared for meetings and are very direct. It is preferable to provide your hosts with an agenda outlining your objectives in advance. Exchange of business cards is common, although some may be less accustomed to this practice. Therefore, provide your business card early on and politely request one in return, if not offered.

English is widely spoken in the business community and in government offices, but knowing and using a few Hebrew words, especially introductory phrases and greetings, can be useful.

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U.S. travelers can refer to the  U.S. Department of State’s International Travel Information for the most up to date information on travel warnings and visa requirements for Israel.

Visa Requirements

A visa is not required for Americans traveling for tourism or short-term business visits. Visitors are entitled to remain in Israel for up to three months from the date of their arrival, in accordance with the conditions of the visa issued to them upon their entrance to Israel.

Visitors intending to work in Israel must submit a request to the Ministry of the Interior for a special visa. For more information, please visit the  Israeli Government Services and Information Website , and the  Embassy of Israel to the United States website .

U.S. companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States are advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process. On September 27, 2023, the Secretary of Homeland Security designated Israel as a member of the Visa Waiver Program. By November 30, 2023, the  Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will be updated to allow citizens and nationals of Israel to apply 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 who are ineligible for VWP travel and require a visa should go to the following link:  State Department Visa Website . Israeli applicants may also refer to the following link for additional information:  U.S. Embassy Jerusalem Nonimmigrant Visas

COVID-19 restrictions

As of May 2023, Israel has no COVID restrictions on incoming visitors from abroad. All requirements of entry statements and proof of vaccination or recovery have been lifted. It is advised to review the most updated information in the Israeli Ministry of Health website or the U.S. Embassy in Israel, as restrictions may change.

The State of Israel’s currency is the New Israel Shekel (NIS). There are one hundred agorot in each shekel. Bank notes are in denominations of NIS 20, 50, 100, and 200; coins are in denominations of NIS 10, 5, 2, 1 and 50 and 10 agorot.

Unlimited sums of local and foreign money may be brought into Israel as cash, travelers’ checks, credit, or State of Israel bonds (although over NIS 50k, travelers are required to report to customs). Foreign currency of all kinds may be exchanged at the airport, banks, post offices, most hotels or licensed exchange agencies in large cities. A passport is required when exchanging travelers’ checks. The rates vary from place to place, and banks charge a commission. Certain tourist sites, especially in the Old City of Jerusalem, take payment in dollars.

Holders of international credit cards can withdraw local or foreign currency at banks which accept their credit cards. There are ATMs outside most banks.

In local stores, Mastercard and Visa are more widely accepted than American Express and Discover cards.

The annual average exchange rate for 2022 was NIS 3.17 per $1.00.

To learn about the current exchange rate please visit the  Bank of Israel website .

Telecommunications/Electronics

Israel has a very competitive and dynamic telecommunications market with one of the highest mobile penetration rates in the world and one of the highest household broadband penetration rates as well.

There are eight main Internet Service Providers (ISP’s): Bezeq International, NetVision, 012 Smile, Cellcom, Partner, Triple C, 018 Xphone, HOTnet and Internet Rimon, all which offer broadband wireless internet service to clients. Wireless networks (Wi-Fi) can be found throughout the country, including restaurants, cafes, hotels and in Ben Gurion Airport. The rate for Wi-Fi varies between ISP’s, however, complimentary Wi-Fi is often offered to customers in restaurants and hotels.

As in many countries, 5G networks were launched throughout Israel in 2020. All international cell phone service providers will operate in Israel; however, renting a local cell phone or purchasing a local SIM card can reduce the cost significantly. If planning to use a local SIM card, you will require an unlocked phone. Cell phones for visitors are available for rental at Ben Gurion Airport or through hotels.

Country code: +972

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50 Hz frequency – An adaptor is necessary – 3 pronged

Transportation

Israel has an extensive road network that connects the entire country and has advanced inland and international transport facilities. Rental cars, taxis and drivers are readily available for U.S. visitors. U.S. drivers may rent cars with a valid U.S. or international driver’s license.

One of the most notable advances in transport in Israel in recent years has been the modernization of the train system. Commuter trains run from Tel Aviv to most of the large cities, including Jerusalem, and to Ben Gurion Airport.

There may be difficulty finding available taxis on the street, therefore, it is recommended to download the Gett Taxi app and plan to order rides in advance.

Ben Gurion International Airport offers connections to major international destinations. Ben Gurion is the country’s center of air passenger and cargo operations. Several companies provide domestic flights between Tel Aviv, Haifa and Eilat from Ben Gurion Airport.

There is no public transportation on the Jewish Sabbath (Friday sundown to Saturday sundown), besides taxi service (although taxis can be difficult to find on the Sabbath as well), or some municipal buses in certain cities.

Useful links:

Israel Railways  

GO Israel (Tourist Information) - Transportation

MoovIt – Web and mobile application for public transportation route planning

Weekend Transportation   - Bus service that operates on Israeli weekends (Sabbath)

Hebrew and Arabic are the two official languages of Israel. English is the third and principal international language; Russian is also prevalent. Many signs in public places are in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. Most Israelis are multilingual.

Modern medical care and medicines are available in Israel. Service may be somewhat limited on Fridays and Saturdays (the Israeli ‘weekend’), so special attention should be paid in order to make arrangements in advance for service on these days. Travelers can find information regarding medical providers, including emergency medical facilities and after-hours pharmacies, in the U.S. Embassy in Israel website .

Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven useful.

Food and water standards in Israel are similar to those in the United States. Additional information regarding vaccines and medicines, or general health-related guidance, can be found at Center for Disease Control and Prevention website .

Local Time, Business Hours, and Holidays

Local Time: UTC + 2 hours (7-6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time - EST. Israel observes daylight savings.)

Business Hours: Sunday – Thursday from 8:00a.m. – 5:00 p.m. for most businesses and government offices. Occasionally, businesspeople will be willing to hold meetings on Friday mornings.

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and the U.S. Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv are open 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday and closed on U.S. holidays and Israeli holidays.

Additional information regarding Israeli public holidays and observances in 2023 can be found on the Time and Date website.

Temporary Entry of Materials or Personal Belongings

The ATA Carnet is accepted by Israel. For more detailed information regarding ATA Carnet please visit the  International Trade Administration’s website .

It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Israel in Washington D.C. or one of Israel’s consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.

For general customs regulations please see the  Customs and Import Restrictions page at the Department of State website.

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Some visitors to Israel have a new stop on their tours: Hamas’ destruction in the south

For people visiting Israel, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. This is a new kind of tourism that has emerged in the country in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. (AP Video: Ami Bentov)

A group of Israelis on an educational tour visit the home of the Siman Tov family on Friday, June 21, 2024. The parents and three children were killed and their home was torched by Hamas militants on the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, in Kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

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A group of Israelis visit a damaged house following the Oct. 7 Hamas militants attack on Israel in Kibbutz Beeri, southern Israel, on Friday, Jan. 28, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Israeli soldiers watch a virtual tour of the destruction of the aftermath of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel near the site of the Tribe of Nova music festival, where at least 364 people were killed and abducted near Kibbutz Re’im, southern Israel, Thursday, May 30, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

An Israeli reservist poses for a picture with a tourist from Mexico, who is holding the soldier’s M16 rifle, at the site of the Tribe of Nova music festival, where at least 364 people were killed and abducted during the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, near Kibbutz Re’im, southern Israel on Thursday, June 20, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

A group of Israelis on an educational tour visit a house that was torched by Hamas militants on the Oct. 7 attack on Israel in Kibbutz Nir Oz, on Friday, June 21, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

People look at the Gaza Strip through binoculars from an observation point in the town of Sderot, southern Israel, on Thursday, June 20, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

FILE - Danny Danon, a member of the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, left, and Nikki Haley, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, visit a home torched by Hamas in Kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel, Monday, May 27, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo, File)

A woman stands next to photos of people killed and taken captive by Hamas militants during their violent rampage through the Nova music festival in southern Israel, which are displayed at the site of the event to commemorate the Oct. 7, massacre near Kibbutz Re’im on Thursday, June 20, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Israeli soldiers look at pictures of revelers killed on Oct. 7, 2023 at the Nova music festival by Hamas militants during a cross-border attack, as they visit the site in Re’im, southern Israel near the Gaza border, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

A woman stands next to a shelter at the site of the Tribe of Nova music festival, where at least 364 people were killed and abducted during the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, near Kibbutz Re’im on Thursday, June 20, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

A group of Israelis on an educational tour visit the dining hall that was damaged during the Oct. 7, Hamas attack on Israel in Kibbutz Nir Oz, on Friday, June 21, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

People look at the Gaza Strip from an observation point in the town of Sderot, southern Israel, on Thursday, June 20, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Ultra-Orthodox Jews from central Israel visit a bomb shelter where Israelis were killed during the Oct. 7 Hamas militants attack on Israel, near Kibbutz Beeri, southern Israel, on Friday, June 21, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

KIBBUTZ NIR OZ, Israel (AP) — A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza .

Jerry Seinfeld, Elon Musk , Michael Douglas, former presidential candidate Nikki Haley , and Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are a few who have visited, at times posing for photos in front of burned-out homes. Many Israelis, including soldiers and security officials, are also visiting on organized trips.

“It’s our personal story, but it’s also the story of all of the state of Israel,” said Irit Lahav, spokeswoman for Kibbutz Nir Oz, who gives many of the tours.

A quarter of the approximately 400 Nir Oz residents fell victim to the attack. Hamas militants killed more than 20 and kidnapped over 80. In the dining hall, a wall of post office boxes is plastered with stickers — red for killed, black for kidnapped, blue for released.

While it’s uncomfortable to open the community to visitors, she said it’s important for people to “come here and smell the burned smell of death, to imagine your friends or parents here.”

Hamas militants killed around 1,200 people as they rampaged through southern Israel, and kidnapped around 250. Health officials in Hamas-run Gaza say more than 37,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war that followed.

Prior to Oct. 7, Lahav ran a tourism company. Now she has turned those itinerary-building skills to the kibbutz where she grew up. Her tour includes the spot in the fence where Hamas militants stormed the kibbutz, along with small details that humanize the scale of destruction, like the candy eggs that melted when the general store was torched.

Many of the kibbutzim and towns that experienced the worst destruction are closed to the public, accessible only via organized tours like those for dignitaries or celebrities, or by invitation from a resident.

A group of Israelis on an educational tour visit a house that was torched by Hamas militants on the Oct. 7 attack on Israel in Kibbutz Nir Oz, on Friday, June 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Nir Oz decided that the guides must be residents. Rena Bazar, who lives with most of the community in temporary housing elsewhere, is among those giving tours.

At first, it was difficult to return to Nir Oz. She didn’t like the idea of strangers on the lawns and in the dining hall with its bullet-riddled windows. But eventually, she understood the importance of helping visitors understand not just what happened, but also what life had been like before Oct. 7.

“I want to make it less about the combat and more about the personal stories of people who were there,” Bazar said.

For visiting dignitaries and VIPs, trips to Israel have long included stops at famous religious or cultural sites, such as the Western Wall, Masada, the Sea of Galilee or the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and the national Holocaust memorial, Yad Vashem. The visits to the battered kibbutzim and border towns are the latest way to build support and solidarity with Israel’s allies abroad.

Other parts of southern Israel are open to the public and encouraging visitors — both foreigners and Israelis from elsewhere.

People look at the Gaza Strip through binoculars from an observation point in the town of Sderot, southern Israel, on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

The city of Sderot runs “resilience tours,” connecting groups with survivors who share their memories of Oct. 7 or highlight cultural or culinary offerings. In contrast to the hardest-hit kibbutzim like Nir Oz, most of Sderot’s residents have returned.

Hen Cohen, the city’s tourism director, estimated that about 200,000 visitors have come during the first half of 2024, compared with 100,000 total in a normal year. Most come via solidarity missions from abroad or are local visitors such as soldiers and police officers on educational tours.

Birthright Israel, an organization that provides 10-day free trips to Israel for Jewish Americans, said that nearly all of the 13,500 participants expected this summer will visit Sderot and the site of the Nova music festival, where at least 364 people died. These visits provide an economic and morale boost to residents, Cohen said.

The Sderot police station, where 10 officers were killed on Oct. 7 in a standoff that left the station in ruins, is a main attraction. Visitors stop at the local museum, and watch security footage of what happened on Oct. 7, then walk to the empty lot where the police station stood. Twisted metal remains. Israeli flags flutter in the wind. A sign says a memorial will be built there.

People look at the Gaza Strip from an observation point in the town of Sderot, southern Israel, on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

“In this dark hour, I wanted to do my part to make sure the people of Israel know that the people of the United States are with you,” former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said while visiting the site. Seinfeld later cried while talking about his own visit to a kibbutz, describing it as “the most powerful experience” of his life.

Zehava Ben Zaken, a lifelong Sderot resident, said it has taken time to adjust to seeing visitors every time she walks by. “I’m happy they come to see this place, so they can understand and stand with us,” she said.

Hearing the booms from Gaza a few kilometers (miles) away, she hoped that visitors can finally understand Sderot’s precarious security situation. “We’re totally broken,” she said.

South of Sderot, the site of the Nova music festival has become a pilgrimage site for hundreds of visitors per day. Photos of victims are arranged around what had been the main stage. Loved ones have left candles, sculptures, photos and other mementos.

Israeli soldiers look at pictures of revelers killed on Oct. 7, 2023 at the Nova music festival by Hamas militants during a cross-border attack, as they visit the site in Re’im, southern Israel near the Gaza border, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Standing there helped her understand the enormity of loss of life, said Naomi Hanan, a medical student from San Francisco. “It’s right in front of your face and there’s no denying or ignoring what you’ve been hearing or seeing through the media,” she said.

In a eucalyptus grove near the site, an organization called Triumph of the Spirit offers virtual reality tours of three kibbutzim, including Nir Oz. The tours are currently only open to soldiers on official educational visits, but an English version will be available in the coming weeks for international tourists.

“I feel like I’m in Fortnite!” one soldier said as he slipped on the headset, then went silent as images of destruction appeared.

The videos were created by Miriam Cohen and Chani Kopolovich, who had created such tours of Auschwitz for a Holocaust education experience for people who don’t travel to Poland.

“We’ve made it accessible to go on this tour without damaging peoples’ privacy,” said Pinchas Tosig, who runs the tent and has 300 to 700 soldiers visit per day.

Some residents of southern Israel are looking beyond the visitors to the future.

In the coming weeks, Nir Oz will start demolishing some buildings to make way for new construction. Residents wonder how to preserve what happened while making space for new lives. Some say part of the destruction should remain. Others don’t want reminders — or visitors.

On one tour, Bazar pointed out the safe room where she spent hours hiding on Oct. 7. Her home was mostly spared. Others were burned. She doesn’t want the destruction to remain inside Nir Oz and hopes any future memorial will be elsewhere.

“I don’t want any child to be impacted by the ruins,” she said. “Our cemetery is full. Isn’t that memorial enough?”

Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Gaza at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war

Germany, Netherlands urge citizens to leave Lebanon for fear of war

G ermany and the Netherlands urged their citizens to leave Lebanon on Wednesday, a day after Canada issued a similar warning in light of escalating tensions between Israel and the Hezbollah terror group.

In an updated travel warning on its website, the German Foreign Ministry stated that “the security situation in the region is highly volatile,” as clashes along the Israel-Lebanon border have intensified in recent weeks.

“A further escalation of the situation and expansion of the conflict cannot be ruled out,” the travel warning continued. “This applies in particular to the southern parts of Lebanon, including the southern urban areas of Beirut, and the Bekaa Valley, including the Baalbek-Hermel district.

“A further escalation could also lead to a complete suspension of air traffic from Rafiq Hariri Airport. Leaving Lebanon by air would then no longer be possible,” it added.

The updated travel warning was issued amid a visit by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock to the region.

In Jerusalem on Tuesday, she said that Germany was “extremely concerned about the increase in violence at the northern border,” and stressed that international partners were “working hard on finding solutions that can prevent more suffering. The risk of an unintended escalation and of all-out war is growing by the day.”

She added that she would be visiting Beirut later in the week to impart the same message to the Lebanese government.

Since October 8, Hezbollah-led forces have attacked Israeli communities and military posts along the border on a near-daily basis, with the group saying it is doing so to support Gaza amid the war there.

So far, the skirmishes on the border have resulted in 10 civilian deaths on the Israeli side, as well as the deaths of 15 Israel Defense Forces soldiers and reservists. There have also been several attacks from Syria, without any injuries.

Hezbollah has named 349 members who have been killed by Israel during the ongoing skirmishes, mostly in Lebanon but some also in Syria. In Lebanon, another 64 operatives from other terror groups, a Lebanese soldier, and dozens of civilians have been killed.

Israel has said that while it hopes the matter can be resolved through a diplomatic agreement, it is prepared for all scenarios, including a major IDF offensive to push the Iran-backed terror group away from the border.

Like Germany, the Netherlands reiterated its call for citizens to leave Lebanon on Tuesday, should they have chosen to stay there after previous warnings.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs repeats the urgent call not to travel to Lebanon,” the foreign ministry wrote on X. “Are you still there? Leave the country while there are (still) commercial flights.”

According to the Dutch foreign ministry website, the entirety of Lebanon is currently classified as level red, or “do not enter.”

In comparison, in Israel only the Gaza border region and northern Israel are classified as red areas, with the remainder of the country considered orange, or “essential travel only.”

For Dutch citizens already in Lebanon, the foreign ministry urged them to “leave the country if it is safe to do so,” and warned that the longer people wait, the more difficulty they may have leaving.

The two EU member states have joined a growing number of countries urging their citizens to leave Lebanon as fears of all-out war grow. While many countries have had travel warnings in place since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas, they have reiterated them in recent weeks.

Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly called on Tuesday for Canadians to depart while commercial flights remain operational, saying that the situation “could deteriorate further without warning.”

Meanwhile, Kuwait was reported to have started evacuating its citizens from Lebanon earlier this week, a day after the Gulf state’s foreign ministry renewed its call to avoid traveling to the region due to “consecutive security developments.”

In Europe, North Macedonia similarly issued a call at the start of the week for its citizens to return home from Lebanon, and advised all non-essential travel there to be postponed.

The post Germany, Netherlands urge citizens to leave Lebanon for fear of war appeared first on The Times of Israel .

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• Best overall
• Best for exotic trips
• Best for trip interruption
• Best for medical-only coverage
• Best for family coverage
• Best for long trips
• Why You Should Trust Us

Best International Travel Insurance for July 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

If you're planning your next vacation or trip out of the country, be sure to factor in travel insurance. Unexpected medical emergencies when traveling can drain your bank account, especially when you're traveling internationally. The best travel insurance companies for international travel can step in to provide you with peace of mind and financial protection while you're abroad.

Best International Travel Insurance of 2024 Summary

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic travel: World Nomads Travel Insurance
• Best for trip interruption coverage: C&F Travel Insured
• Best for medical-only coverage: GeoBlue Travel Insurance
• Best for families: Travelex Travel Insurance
• Best for long-term travel: Seven Corners Travel Insurance

Top International Travel Insurance Companies Comparison

As a general rule, the most important coverage to have in a foreign country is travel medical insurance , as most U.S. health insurance policies don't cover you while you're abroad. Without travel medical coverage, a medical emergency in a foreign country can cost you. You'll want trip cancellation and interruption coverage if your trip is particularly expensive. And if you're traveling for an extended period of time, you'll want to ensure that your policy is extendable. 

Here are our picks for the best travel insurance companies for international travel.

Best International Travel Insurance Overall

Allianz travel insurance.

Allianz offers the ultimate customizable coverage for international trips, whether you're a frequent jetsetter or an occasional traveler. You can choose from an a la carte of single or multi-trip plans, as well as add-ons, including rental car damage, cancel for any reason (CFAR) , adventure sport, and business travel coverage. And with affordable pricing compared to competitors, Allianz is a budget-friendly choice for your international travel insurance needs. 

The icing on the cake is Allyz TravelSmart, Allianz's highly-rated mobile app, which has an average rating of 4.4 out of five stars on the Google Play store across over 2,600 reviews and 4.8 out of five stars from over 22,000 reviews on the Apple app store. So, you can rest easy knowing that you can access your policy and file claims anywhere in the world without a hassle.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review .

Best International Travel Insurance for Exotic Trips

World nomads travel insurance.

World Nomads offers coverage for over 300 adventure activities and sports, so you can focus on the adventure without worrying about gaps in your coverage. Both its Standard and Explorer plans cover a wide array of sports. Most activities will be covered under the Standard plan, but extreme sports like skydiving and scuba diving below 165 feet are only covered in the Explorer plan.

Another added benefit of the World Nomads plan is that plans are available after departure. Though if you purchase a plan after you leave for your trip, you'll have to wait 72 days before your coverage kicks in. 

World Nomads offers 24/7 assistance, so you can confidently travel abroad, knowing that help is just a phone call away. 

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review .

Best International Travel Insurance for Trip Interruption

C&f travel insured.

C&F offers 100% coverage for trip cancellation, up to 150% for trip interruption, and reimbursement for up to 75% of your non-refundable travel costs with select plans. This means you don't have to worry about losing your hard-earned money on non-refundable travel costs if your trip ends prematurely. 

Travel Insured also stands out for its extensive "reasons for cancellation" coverage. Unlike many insurers, the company covers hurricane warnings from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Read our C&F Travel Insured review .

Best International Travel Insurance for Medical Coverage

Geoblue travel insurance.

GeoBlue offers policies that covers emergency medical treatments when you're abroad. While GeoBlue lacks trip cancellation coverage, that allows it to charge lower premiums than the other companies on this list. 

GeoBlue plans can cover medical expenses up to $1 million with several multi-trip annual plans available. It offers coinsurance plans for trips within the U.S. and 100% coverage for international trips. It also has a network of clinics in 180 countries, streamlining the claims process. It's worth noting that coverage for pre-existing conditions comes with additional costs. 

Read our GeoBlue Travel Insurance review .

Best International Travel Insurance for Family Coverage

Travelex travel insurance.

Travelex offers coverage for your whole crew, perfect for when you're planning a family trip. Its family plan insures all your children 17 and under at no additional cost. The travel insurance provider also offers add-ons like adventure sports and car rental collision coverage to protect your family under any circumstance. Got pets? With Travelex's Travel Select plan, you can also get coverage for your furry friend's emergency medical and transportation expenses. 

Read our Travelex Travel Insurance review .

Best International Travel Insurance for Long Trips

Seven corners travel insurance.

Seven Corners offers specialized coverage that the standard short-term travel insurance policy won't provide, which is helpful if you're embarking on a long-term trip. You can choose from several plans, including the Annual Multi-Trip plan, which provides medical coverage for multiple international trips for up to 364 days. This policy also offers COVID-19 medical and evacuation coverage up to $1 million. 

You also get the added benefit of incidental expense coverage. This policy will cover remote health-related services and information, treatment of injury or illness, and live consultations via telecommunication. 

Read our Seven Corners Travel Insurance review .

How to Find the Right International Travel Insurance Company 

Different travelers and trips require different types of insurance coverage. So, consider these tips if you're in the market to insure your trip. 

Determine your needs 

Your needs for travel insurance will depend on the type of trip you're taking. You'll need to consider your destination and what you'll be doing there, either business, leisure, or adventure traveling. Policies covering adventure sports and activities will cost more. Longer, more expensive trips will also cost more. 

Research the reputation of the company 

When researching a company, you'll want to closely review the description of services. You'll want to see how claims are handled, any exceptions, and limitations.

You'll also want to look at the company's customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot, BBB, and Squaremouth, as this will provide insight on the quality of customer service and the claims process. You should also take note of whether companies respond to customer reviews.

Compare prices

You can get quotes through a company's website or travel insurance aggregators like InsureMyTrip and VisitorsCoverage. You'll need to be prepared to provide the following information about your trip:

• Trip destination(s)
• Travel dates
• Number of travelers
• Traveler(s) age/birthday
• State of residence
• Total trip cost

For companies that offer travel medical insurance, you'll also want to play around with the deductible options, as they can affect your policy premium. 

Understanding International Travel Insurance Coverage Options

Travel insurance can be confusing, but we're here to simplify it for you. We'll break down the industry's jargon to help you understand what travel insurance covers to help you decide what your policy needs. Bear in mind that exclusions and limitations for your age and destination may apply. 

Finding the Best Price for International Travel Insurance

Your policy cost will depend on several factors, such as the length of your trip, destination, coverage limits, and age. Typically, a comprehensive policy includes travel cancellation coverage costs between 5% and 10% of your total trip cost.

If you're planning an international trip that costs $4,500, you can expect to pay anywhere from $225 to $450 for your policy. Comparing quotes from multiple providers can help you find a budget-friendly travel insurance policy that meets your needs.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed International Travel Insurance Companies

We ranked and assigned superlatives to the best travel insurance companies based on our insurance rating methodology . It focuses on several key factors, including: 

• Policy types: We analyzed company offerings such as coverage levels, exclusions, and policy upgrades, taking note of providers that offer a range of travel-related issues beyond the standard coverages. 
• Affordability: We recognize that cheap premiums don't necessarily equate to sufficient coverage. So, we seek providers that offer competitive rates with comprehensive policies and quality customer service. We also call out any discounts or special offers available. 
• Flexibility: Travel insurance isn't one-size-fits-all. We highlight providers that offer a wide array of coverage options, including single-trip, multi-trip, and long-term policies.
• Claims handling: The claims process should be pain-free for policyholders. We seek providers that offer a streamlined process via online claims filing and a track record of handling claims fairly and efficiently. 
• Quality customer service: Good customer service is as important as affordability and flexibility. We highlight companies that offer 24/7 assistance and have a strong record of customer service responsiveness. 

We consult user feedback and reviews to determine how each company fares in each category. We also check the provider's financial rating and volume of complaints via third-party rating agencies. 

Read more about how Business Insider rates insurance products here.

International Travel Insurance FAQs

The best insurance policy depends on your individual situation, including your destination and budget. However, popular options include Allianz Travel Insurance, World Nomads, and Travel Guard. 

International health insurance and travel insurance serve different purposes. While both may cover medical expenses, international health insurance provides long-term health insurance for working abroad. Meanwhile, travel insurance offers short-term coverage for the duration of your trip. 

Typically, your regular health insurance won't cover you out of the country, so you'll want to make sure your travel insurance has adequate medical emergency coverage. Depending on your travel plans, you may want to purchase add-ons, such as adventure sports coverage, if you're planning on doing anything adventurous like bungee jumping.

Travel insurance is worth the price for international travel because they're generally more expensive, so you have more to lose. Additionally, your regular health insurance won't cover you in other countries, so without travel insurance, you'll end up paying out of pocket for any emergency medical care you receive out of the US.

You should purchase travel insurance as soon as possible after making payment on your trip. This makes you eligible for add-ons like coverage for pre-existing conditions and CFAR. It also mitigates the chance of any losses in the days leading up to your trip. 

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Jennifer lopez, worth $400 million, takes commercial flight without ben affleck after ‘emotional’ few weeks.

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Jenny on the plane.

Jennifer Lopez was spotted on a commercial flight traveling from Naples, Italy, to Paris on Saturday, photos obtained by TMZ show.

The “Let’s Get Loud” singer, 54, is worth an estimated $400 million, but she opted not to take a private jet to the City of Light.

Not only did she not fly private, Lopez traveled on an Air France flight and sat in a window seat in the economy section.

She appeared to have also reserved the seat next to her, where she placed her large handbag. Her bodyguard traveled with her and sat in the aisle seat, according to the Daily Mail .

Business class seats were not an option on the flight.

Lopez arrived in Paris on Monday and attended the Dior show debuting the fashion house’s haute couture fall 2024 collection.

The “Hustlers” star left Italy after enjoying a relaxing vacation without her husband, Ben Affleck.

She took a boat ride with friends in Positano and couldn’t stop taking selfies while rocking a $99 white one-piece Gooseberry bathing suit.

Also during the trip, Lopez went out to dinner with two pals — one man and one woman — at an upscale restaurant.

“Jen loves vacationing in Europe during the summer,” a source told “Entertainment Tonight” on Monday. “It’s been nice for her to experience a change of pace and have some breathing room. She has been having a blast with her friends.”

The insider added, “That’s never really been Ben’s scene, even when him and Jen weren’t having any issues. Jen isn’t letting the fact that Ben’s not there bring her down.”

The trip comes weeks after Lopez canceled her summer tour.

On Tuesday, a source told People that Lopez was “grateful” for time to herself, and that she and Affleck are “doing their own thing so far this summer.”

“Jennifer’s having a wonderful time in Europe. She loves Italy and visits every year. She’s grateful for a break,” the insider said. “The past few weeks have been emotional for her. Ben has been working in LA and is spending time with his kids. Everyone seems to be doing OK.”

Lopez and Affleck, 51, have been spending time apart as reports claim that they’re heading for a divorce two years after tying the knot.

While Lopez was in Italy, her husband has been trying to lie low in Los Angeles, where he’s filming the sequel to his 2016 movie “The Accountant.”

The Massachusetts-raised actor made headlines, though, for confronting paparazzi who were using flash cameras as he was behind the wheel pulling out of his and Lopez’s Beverly Hills mansion that’s rumored to be up for sale . Affleck got out of his car and chastised the photographers, warning them that they’re putting his life in danger.

The breakup rumors about the couple started when Lopez attended the Met Gala by herself in May.

Since then, the pair have been seen out together only a handful of times, including at Affleck’s 12-year-old son Samuel’s graduation earlier this month.  Lopez arrived separately and kept her distance at the event.

A source told People on June 11 that Lopez and Affleck “are still friendly and see each other every few days.”

The stars have not publicly addressed the speculation about their relationship.

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Houthi attacks sink second Red Sea ship after mariner is killed

A bulk carrier sank days after an attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels believed to have killed one mariner on board, authorities said early Wednesday, the second-such ship to be sunk in the rebel campaign.

The sinking of the Tutor in the Red Sea marks what appears to be a new escalation by the Iranian-backed Houthis in their campaign targeting shipping through the vital maritime corridor over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.

The attack comes despite a monthslong U.S.-led campaign in the region that has seen the Navy face its most-intense maritime fighting since World War II, with near-daily attacks targeting commercial vessels and warship.

The Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned-and-operated Tutor sank in the Red Sea, the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said in a warning to sailors in the region.

“Military authorities report maritime debris and oil sighted in the last reported location,” the UKMTO said. “The vessel is believed to have sunk.”

The Houthis did not immediately acknowledge the sinking. The U.S. military as well did not immediately acknowledge the sinking and did not respond to requests for comment.

The Tutor came under attack about a week ago by a bomb-carrying Houthi drone boat in the Red Sea. John Kirby, a White House national security spokesman, said Monday that the attack killed “a crew member who hailed from the Philippines.” The Philippines has yet to acknowledge the death, but the man who had been aboard the Tutor has been missing for over a week in the Red Sea, which faces intense summertime heat.

The use of a boat loaded with explosives raised the specter of 2000’s USS Cole attack, a suicide assault by al-Qaida on the warship when it was at port in Aden, killing 17 on board. The Cole is now part of a U.S. Navy operation led by the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Red Sea to try and halt the Houthi attacks, though the rebels continue their assaults.

The Houthis have launched more than 50 attacks on shipping, killing four sailors. They’ve seized one vessel and sunk two since November, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. A U.S.-led airstrike campaign has targeted the Houthis since January, with a series of strikes May 30 killing at least 16 people and wounding 42 others, the rebels say.

In March, the Belize-flagged Rubymar carried a load of fertilizer sank in the Red Sea after taking on water for days following a rebel attack.

The Houthis have maintained their attacks target ships linked to Israel, the U.S. or the U.K. However, many of the ships they’ve attacked have little or no connection to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

The war in Gaza has killed more than 37,000 Palestinians there, while hundreds of others have been killed in Israeli operations in the West Bank. It began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostage.

A recent report by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency acknowledged container shipping through Red Sea has declined by 90% since December over the attacks. As much as 15% of the world’s maritime traffic flows through that corridor.

The Associated Press

Ottawa considers contingency plans to evacuate Canadians from Lebanon, advises them to leave

Smoke rises from an Israeli strike against a Hezbollah target on June 25, in Khiam, Lebanon. Hezbollah and the Israeli Defense Forces have been trading cross-border fire since the Oct. 7 attacks, with the conflict escalating in May when the group launched a missile-carrying drone against Israel for the first time. Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Ottawa is preparing contingency plans to evacuate citizens from Lebanon if a full-scale war breaks out between Israel and Hezbollah, and has advised Canadians to leave the country because of its increasing volatility.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly on Tuesday warned that the situation could worsen if the armed conflict intensifies.

“The security situation in Lebanon is becoming increasingly volatile and unpredictable due to sustained and escalating violence between Hezbollah and Israel and could deteriorate further without warning,” Ms. Joly said in a statement.

She said Canadians should not travel to Lebanon and “for Canadians currently in Lebanon , it’s time to leave, while commercial flights remain available.”

A war between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group could be “a catastrophe that goes far beyond the border, and frankly, beyond imagination,” United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned last week, amid rising rhetoric and fears of further conflict.

Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel shortly after its regional ally Hamas attacked Israel last October. Since then, Hezbollah and Israel have exchanged near-daily cross-border strikes, escalating gradually. Last week, the Israeli army said it has “approved and validated” plans for an offensive in Lebanon, although the decision to launch such an operation would have to come from the country’s political leadership.

The Department of National Defence said Tuesday that the Canadian Armed Forces are working with the Canadian embassy in Lebanon on preparations for eventualities.

“In support of Global Affairs Canada, CAF personnel are currently assisting the Canadian embassy in Lebanon with contingency planning,” said Cheryl Forrest, a defence department spokeswoman, in a statement.

“The situation in Lebanon is volatile and unpredictable due to ongoing events in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip and sustained and escalating violence between Hezbollah and Israel. There are violent clashes along the border with Israel, including daily rocket and missile fire as well as air strikes.”

The statement added the CAF is in continual contact with Canadian government partners, “as well as with allies and like-minded nations, monitoring the global landscape to maintain awareness of upcoming threats that may result in requests to support Canadians and Canadian interests.”

In 2006, Canada evacuated thousands of its citizens from Lebanon after war broke out between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel launched air attacks and ground incursions into Lebanese territory after Hezbollah had conducted a raid into Israel killing several Israeli soldiers and capturing two.

Canadians were evacuated by sea to holding centres in Cyprus and Turkey, and from there by air to Canada. There were 34 departures by ship from the port of Beirut and another from the port of Tyre. Evacuees were flown to Canada on 61 chartered flights, with an additional four flights on aircraft belonging to the defence department.

The costly evacuation prompted criticism at the time, with some claiming that many of the evacuees had citizenship but tenuous ties to Canada, which led to some being referred to as “Canadians of convenience.”

In 2013, contingency plans to evacuate tens of thousands of Canadian citizens living in Lebanon were drawn up by the federal government, as fears grew of a looming war between Hezbollah and Israel. At the time, Ottawa issued increasingly strong warnings against travel to Lebanon, and urged those already there to leave while commercial travel was available.

Israeli media reported Tuesday that Ms. Joly held a conversation with its Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, and that preparations for a possible future evacuation of Canadians from Lebanon were discussed. Ms. Joly’s office was unavailable for comment.

With a report from Associated Press

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Election latest: Police to probe potential 'misconduct in public office' in betting scandal - after fiery final TV debate

The Metropolitan Police is taking the lead in a "small number of cases" relating to the scandal around bets on the date of the general election. Last night, Sunak and Starmer traded blows in their final TV debate of the election, as campaigning intensifies with just seven days to go.

Thursday 27 June 2024 10:30, UK

• General Election 2024
• Met Police to probe potential 'misconduct in public office' in gambling scandal
• Starmer says Sunak 'bullied' into action over scandal in fiery final debate
• Jon Craig:  Just like England at the Euros - the final TV election clash was a draw
• Listen to Politics at Jack and Sam's  above as you scroll - and tap here to follow wherever you get your podcasts
• Live reporting by Ben Bloch

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Our live poll tracker collates the results of opinion surveys carried out by all the main polling organisations - and allows you to see how the political parties are performing in the run-up to the general election.

With just a week to go, the Tories and Labour have taken a drop, while support for Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats is on the rise.

Read more about the tracker  here .

We reported yesterday that a man had been arrested on suspicion of harassment and committing offences under the Online Safety Act in connection with the Westminster honeytrap scandal.

Earlier this year, at least 12 men in political circles received unsolicited, flirtatious WhatsApp messages from people calling themselves "Charlie" or "Abi", Scotland Yard said.

Explicit images were exchanged in some instances.

In an update this morning about the man arrested, the Met Police said: "He was taken into custody and has since been bailed until a date in late September."

Sky News understands the man was immediately suspended from the Labour Party after it was notified that the person was a party member.

By Jason Farrell , home editor

No visit to Edinburgh is complete without a hike up Arthur's Seat, an ancient extinct volcano which rises 250 metres above the city.

And as we are travelling across Britain with a parliamentary bench - it just seemed appropriate to plonk our seat on top of Edinburgh's.

At the foot of Arthur's Seat sits Holyrood, home of Scotland's devolved government, and here we met a primary school teacher who later decided he didn't want to be named, but his views reflected the shifting mood in Scotland.

"I'm leaning towards Labour, I previously voted SNP, but it's a tactical vote because I don't want to see another Conservative government," he said.

While still supporting the idea of an independent Scotland, the teacher said he "doesn't know if it's realistic anymore".

Since the departure of Nicola Sturgeon, then Humza Yousaf, following his broken alliance with the Greens, the nationalist dominance in Holyrood is less formidable and that will be reflected in this election.

Scotland has 57 seats on the green benches of Westminster.

In the last election Labour got just one of them, the SNP got 48. A few years ago, the prospect of Labour becoming the largest party in Scotland seemed about as realistic as someone hauling a parliamentary bench to the top of Arthur's seat.

But, take a screwdriver to a bench and break it down - the task becomes less daunting - and a more fractured SNP makes Labour's ambitions of re-conquering Scotland plausible.

We borrowed the muscle of three Scottish students to help cart our deconstructed bench up the rocky path towards Edinburgh's highest peak.

Watch the full report below - and read more here .

Sir Keir Starmer has said repeatedly through the general election campaign that he will not be able to give the 35% pay rise the junior doctors are asking for because it is unaffordable.

In reaction to that, co-chair of the BMA junior doctors committee, Dr Rob Laurenson, told Sky News the Labour leader "would do well not to repeat the mistakes of Rishi Sunak and to empower his health secretary to negotiate in good faith".

He said they have been listening to shadow health secretary Wes Streeting, who has been "talking about a journey, not an event".

"We're very much happy to talk about how we get to pay restoration - we've always said all along that we'd be happy to have this in a multi-year pay deal and not all in one go."

But more broadly, he said junior doctors are currently paid £15 an hour, and they want an increase to £21 an hour, which he insisted is affordable.

"The government has spent £3bn on strikes, and pay restoration costs £1.3bn.

"So if an incoming government under Keir Starmer wants to continue lying, then it looks like strikes will have to continue as well."

Junior doctors are on strike today as part of their long-running dispute over pay, and we just spoke with Dr Rob Laurenson, co-chair of the BMA junior doctors committee.

We asked for his reaction to both parties criticising this industrial action, and he replied: "I'm not really surprised that no one's happy about this situation. We're not happy about this situation."

He said it has been four months since they last took industrial action, and they've "tried to negotiate in good faith during that time", but he blamed the government for a resolution not being reached.

Asked if he can understand why some may view the strikes as cynical given that a resolution will not be reached during the election campaign, he replied: "Not at all, and this is precisely why the government is lying to everyone."

He said their ask during this set of strikes is for a "credible commitment" from Rishi Sunak - as with any other manifesto commitment - to restoring their pay to 2010 levels.

"Rishi Sunak's made a big point about making clear plans and giving bold action. But the truth of the matter is he has no plan."

Dr Laurenson called on the PM to "sit down, drop the rhetoric, talk about pay", otherwise the strikes will have to continue.

It was reported yesterday that Labour's Darren Jones told a meeting in his constituency that the party's net zero plans would cost "hundreds of billions" of pounds.

Mr Jones told Sky News after the debate that the vast majority of that money would come from private investment, and the party's shadow education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, reiterated that to us this morning.

She said: "What we know from conversations with businesses is that there is a real appetite and willingness to invest here in the UK, and it's how government can work together with business to drive that investment to drive those jobs and the growth that will be so essential in the years to come.

"So it's not simply about the spending of public money, it's about how you lever in wider private investment."

She added that "everything in our manifesto is fully funded and fully costed".

Asked what happens if that private sector investment does not materialise, she dodged the question, reiterating that Labour has an "ironclad commitment" that they will "not increase VAT, income tax or national insurance".

We just spoke with Bridget Phillipson, Labour's shadow education secretary, and we asked about the junior doctors' strike and how quickly Labour would reach a settlement with them.

She did not give a timeframe, saying it's a "process of negotiation".

"But in order to get to a settlement, you've got to be around the table having that conversation.

"And that's something the Conservatives time and again have failed to do where it comes to our NHS."

She added that negotiations with junior doctors would be "a day one priority" if Labour is elected to government next week.

Asked if it is provocative for junior doctors to strike just days before the general election, she replied: "It's disappointing. I wish the strikes weren't going ahead.

"It represents a long-standing failure to reach an agreement."

As we reported, "money-saving expert" Martin Lewis hit out at the Conservative Party yesterday for tweeting a clip of him talking about a "private" conversation about an unnamed Labour policy that they linked to tax rises.

Asked if that is a sign of desperation, business minister Kevin Hollinkrake replied: "Well, I think if we've tweeted something that's inaccurate, that's wrong. We shouldn't do that.

"We don't need to be inaccurate because the Labour Party has been quite clear. I saw Wes Streeting on Laura Kuenssberg a few, a week or two ago, who said quite clearly the manifesto is not the sum total of its spending plans."

Junior doctors are today beginning a fresh round of strikes in their long-running dispute with the government over pay.

They are asking for a path towards restoration of pay to 2010 levels, which would be a rise of around 35%.

The shadow health secretary, Wes Streeting, has said if Labour wins the election on 4 July, he will meet junior doctors on 5 July to reach a solution, and we asked business minister Kevin Hollinrake if the Tories will do the same.

He replied that government "should always have a discussion, always sit across the negotiation table".

He said an offer to resolve the strike has "already been made", a 9% pay increase was given this year, and there were "discussions about a further 3% on top of that", which he described as "fair figures".

But on the broader demand for pay restoration, the minister said: "What the junior doctors are asking for is 35%, which taxpayers, of course, would have to fund.

"I don't think that's affordable. And it'd be interesting to see what Labour would do in the same situation."

Mr Hollinrake went on to say that the timing of this strike is "interesting".

"I'm not going to judge some of his motivations for decisions. But it is interesting timing, and I regret the decision to strike because we know this doesn't help waiting lists, which we want to bring down.

"We are bringing them down now, but part of the reasons why the waiting lists are as high as they are is partially because of the strike."

We've just been speaking to business minister Kevin Hollinrake, and we started with last night's fiery TV debate.

Sky's Wilfred Frost put to him that Rishi Sunak might have showed what could have been, if not for the various distractions and mistakes.

But Mr Hollinrake said the PM was "clear" that "this is a vote about the future, it's not about the past".

He talked about broader challenges over the last four-and-a-half years, such as COVID and the war in Ukraine.

But of Mr Sunak, he said: "You've got somebody with a clear plan, somebody who's proven in the heat of battle, has been able to execute well and put things in place that are important to people - or somebody with no plan and no answers."

He said he understands the "move for change in the country", but in an appeal to the country, added: "It'll be a disaster if Labour will get in. Don't settle for that. Don't settle for that kind of solution. Don't surrender to that."

Frost brought the minister back to the past five weeks and the betting scandal that continues to dominate headlines, and asked if politicians should be banned from betting on politics.

He replied: "I'm not against a ban on politicians betting on politics, but I think we should have a proper debate, proper look at this and make a decision that everyone's clear on what's expected and what's allowed and what's not allowed and to make a decision from there."

Separately, Mr Hollinrake admitted on Times Radio that he had placed a bet on the Tories to win the general election, but "not my seat, I think that would be wrong".

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