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# 									Israel, the West Bank and Gaza: Travel Advisory Remains							

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

October 14, 2023

The Department of State updated its Travel Advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza on October 14, 2023, to reflect the authorized departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members for U.S. Embassy Jerusalem and U.S. Branch Office Tel Aviv. This replaces the previous Travel Advisory issued on October 11, 2023.

The full text of the updated Travel Advisory is as follows:

**Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza Travel Advisory****T U O**

**Updated to reflect the authorized departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members.**

**Summary:** Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel and 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 and the West Bank and Gaza without warning. There has been a marked increase in demonstrations throughout Israel, some with little or no warning.

Some areas have increased risk. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Israel and the West Bank, and Gaza.

Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

On, October 13, 2023, the Department authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members from U.S. Embassy Jerusalem and U.S. Branch Office Tel Aviv due to the unpredictable security situation in Israel.

**Do Not Travel To**:
        - Gaza due to  terrorism, civil unrest , and  armed conflict

**Reconsider Travel To**:
        - Israel due to  terrorism and  civil unrest
        - West Bank due to  terrorism and  civil unrest

If you decide to travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.
        - Check the most recent Alerts at the  Embassy website for the latest information on travel in all of these areas.
        - Maintain a high degree of situational awareness and exercise caution at all times, especially at checkpoints and other areas with a significant presence of security forces.
        - Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
        - Follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials.
        - Beware of and report suspicious activities, including unattended items, to l13ocal police.
        - Learn the location of the nearest bomb shelter or other hardened shelter. Download the  Home Front Command Red Alert application  for mobile devices to receive real time alerts for rocket attacks.
        - Obtain comprehensive travel medical insurance that includes medical evacuation prior to travel. Most travel insurance packages do not cover mental health related illnesses/care.
        - Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
        - Follow the Department of State on  Facebook and  Twitter .
        - Review the  Country Security Report for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.
        - Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist

**Gaza – Do Not Travel**

Do not travel due to **terrorism, civil unrest**, and **armed conflict**.

The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Gaza as U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling there. Hamas, a U.S. government-designated foreign terrorist organization, controls the security infrastructure in Gaza. The security environment within Gaza and on its borders is dangerous and volatile. Sporadic mortar or rocket fire and corresponding Israeli military responses may occur at any time. During periods of unrest or armed conflict, the crossings between Gaza with Israel and Egypt may be closed.

Visit our website for Travel to High Risk Areas.

If you decide to travel to Gaza:
        - Be prepared for an indefinite stay as the crossings between Gaza with Israel and Egypt can close without advance notice and for long periods during times of unrest and armed conflict.
        - Have a plan for entering and departing Gaza that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.

**Israel – Reconsider Travel**

Reconsider travel due to **terrorism and civil unrest**.

U.S. government employees are currently restricted from personal travel other than mission-critical travel.

The Embassy can impose even greater travel restrictions on its personnel, with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.

**West Bank – Reconsider Travel**

Reconsider travel due to **terrorism and civil unrest**.

U.S. government employees are currently restricted from personal travel other than mission-critical travel.

The Embassy can impose even greater travel restrictions on its personnel, with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.

Visit our website for Travel to High Risk Areas.

Tags

Bureau of Near Eastern AffairsIsraelIsrael-Hamas ConflictOffice of the SpokespersonPalestinian TerritoriesSecurityTerrorismTravel

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