travel agent israel

VOLUNTEER | FOR ISRAEL. IN ISRAEL.

Volunteer for israel, in israel.

4 or 7 DAYS | YEAR-ROUND

ONWARD – VOLUNTEER IN ISRAEL

ADULTS AGES 18-40

8 or 14 DAYS | WINTER & SPRING

MARCH OF THE LIVING FOR ADULTS

8-16 DAYS | LATE SPRING

OUR STORY SPAIN & GIBRALTAR

OUR STORY SPAIN & GIBRALTAR

10 DAYS | FALL

OUR STORY MOROCCO

9 DAYS | FALL

OUR STORY CENTRAL EUROPE

5-15 DAYS | SUMMER

ISRAEL FAMILY JOURNEY

MULTI-GENERATIONAL

8-12 DAYS | SUMMER & WINTER

8-12 DAYS |  YEAR-ROUND

ISRAEL REVISITED

6 OR 9 DAYS | LATE SPRING

BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL

BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL — ISRAEL OUTDOORS

7-10 DAYS | YEAR-ROUND

MASA ISRAEL TEACHING FELLOWS

6 OR 10 MONTHS | SEPTEMBER TO JUNE

BBYO PASSPORT

BBYO SUMMER – ISRAEL JOUREY

HIGH SCHOOL TEENS

22-28 DAYS | SUMMER

ONWARD ISRAEL INTERNSHIPS

6-10 WEEKS | SUMMER & WINTER

INTERNSHIP DISCOVER

5 MONTHS | FALL & SPRING

REMOTE EXPLORE

4 MONTHS | FALL & SPRING

PLAN AHEAD | Sign up early and save (commitment-free) on adult & family tours in 2024-25

MORE THAN A TOUR.

More than expected., welcome to authentic israel, a full-service tour operator providing exceptional travel experiences.

With a track record spanning four decades, we bring the knowledge, experience, and dedication to make your next trip the journey of a lifetime. Join a tour  or plan your own with the confidence in knowing our programs are operated in-house by our caring staff team.

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The value of traveling direct with a tour operator

Carefully crafted itineraries led by inspiring guides, full service offices in israel and north america, your meaningful experience is our mission.

FIND AN EXPERIENCE

Travel to Israel or destinations around the world on an organized experience with opportunities for nearly all ages. Explore the possibilities by selecting a category below!

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• FOR FAMILIES
• FOR YOUNG ADULTS

Tap into the remarkable energy of Israel’s post-October 7th national volunteering effort in support of the displaced communities and Israel’s defenders

Lend a hand where and when it’s needed most, and connect with the people of Israel along the way on this fully subsidized volunteering experience

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey of remembrance and renewal with fellow Adult Delegation travelers in Poland with the option to continue on to Israel

Everyone in the family will be inspired on this tour of Israel’s epic history, natural beauty, and many cultural riches – led by a team of guides & youth counselors

Discover the very best of Israel on this guided tour for active adults that tells the compelling story of Israel through the lens of Jewish history and culture

Discover the riches of European Jewish history, and explore world heritage treasures on this guided tour of Poland, Budapest, Vienna, Prague & Berlin

OUR STORY SPAIN & GIBRALTAR

Explore southern Spain’s Jewish and world heritage treasures on a 10-day fully guided tour of Madrid, Granada, Segovia, Toledo, Seville, Cordoba, and Gibraltar

Explore authentic Sephardic traditions while touring the colorful markets, architecture, and culture of Marrakesh, Fes, Rabat, Casablanca, and more

Make new discoveries and explore new destinations on a tour coinciding with Israel’s moving Memorial Day & Independence Day holidays

MASA – ISRAEL TEACHING FELLOWS

Teach English and volunteer on this highly subsidized and rewarding opportunity where you’ll pick up new skills and connect with Israeli society

#BIRTHRIGHT – ISRAEL OUTDOORS

The gift of a free adventure is yours on a Birthright Israel trip with Israel Outdoors. Choose from a huge selection of dates, program options & departure cities

ONWARD – SUMMER INTERNSHIPS

A resume-building internship program that matches your skills and interests while experiencing the joy and adventure of a summer or winter in Israel

BBYO SUMMER — ISRAEL JOURNEY

Meet-up in Israel with teens from around the world for a summer full of new experiences and new friendships – no prior BBYO involvement necessary

BBYO SUMMER — EUROPE DISCOVERY

Explore the grand European cities of Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Krakow, and Warsaw on a tour for teens that combines history, culture, and adventure

BBYO SUMMER — VOLUNTEER ISRAEL

Volunteer. Connect. Renew. This service-based trip gives teens a chance to lend a hand where it’s needed most and connect with the people of Israel

BBYO SUMMER — MOROCCO DISCOVERY

Tap into the allure of Morocco’s colorful markets and epic North African terrain while we discover an ancient Jewish community along the way

A career placement program for experienced tech workers – earn a salary as part of Israel’s innovation workforce while living the Tel Aviv lifestyle

MASA – REMOTE EXPLORE

Live the global nomadic lifestyle working or studying remotely from Tel Aviv while exploring Israel and the Middle East like never before

MASA – INTERNSHIP DISCOVER

Advance your career with hands-on experience in your field of interest while living like a native in Tel Aviv, the startup capital of the Middle East

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Partner with us to design an experience based on your own goals, preferences, pace, and schedule. We serve family groups and organizations of all types. Your vision is our commitment.

CUSTOM GROUP TOURS

Partner with us to plan a custom travel experience for your organization in Israel, Europe, and the Abraham Accords countries.

CUSTOM FAMILY TOURS

Explore Israel your way according to how, when and where you want to travel. Available for privately formed groups of 20+ travelers.

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Israel Tour Companies

Looking for an unforgettable Israel tour? Book a fully-organized trip with the best tour companies in Israel and let the tour operator take care of everything for you. Check out the tour details and read 129510 reviews from our customers to help you choose the perfect tour for you.

List of Israel travel companies & tour operators with 129510 reviews

Holiday Travel Israel

• Excellent - 34 reviews for Israel tours

I had a wonderful time! Our tour guide Orna was very knowledgeable, caring and with very good sense of humor! The same thing I would also say about our bus driver Namir. We felt very safe and cared of.

Could been more time,because one days walk 8 miles in very hot. But Neil did very excellent job

Bein Harim Tourism Services…

• Excellent - 109 reviews for Israel tours

Dan Porges, excellent and knowledgable of the History and events. This was quite an experience for me. He kept the group engaged on the tour. I will definitely be back to complete more tours. RW

Well worth the money. I'd recommend it to friends and family.

On The Go Tours

• Excellent - 2,953 reviews for Israel tours

We had a good trip with a group of wonderful people. Tour guides in Egypt and Jordan were very knowledgeable.

The parts of our Tour we were provided were excellent. The service provided in the aftermath of the cancelation of our Israel and Bethlehem tours and flights homes was not helpful.

Europamundo

• Good - 2,988 reviews for Israel tours

Far too much time hanging around in Saudi Arabia (on one day with no access to breakfast or lunch. Madinah visit a waste of a day really. Not enough time spent in Jordan (Dead Sea and Little Petra missing) And, Egypt would have been as good self guided. Otherwise fairly well organised and the reps tried hard. Was surprised to have to pay US$100 for ‘tipping’ in Egypt, hidden charges are a big no no, and no evidence of good use of there funds. We would like it refunded.

Overall our trip was very good. The logistics, at times, were not well handled. Our airport pick up in Tel Aviv was not there and we had to wait for him. The process of crossing the border between Israel and Egypt was very confusing and the guide did not give good assistance. Neither of these guides spoke English very well making it all the more difficult. Our tour guide in Israel was very knowledgeable but often said things to us regarding our not having a son and marrying off our daughters to a Jewish man that were offensive and degrading. Our group was mixed English and Spanish. He did not know that one of us spoke Spanish and he often gave important information in Spanish but did not give it to us in English - such as a change in time of pickup one morning. I would give him a poor rating at best. Our guides in Egypt, Mr. Cesar and Wael, were fantastic! They went above and beyond to ensure we enjoyed every minute of the trip to the fullest. I cannot say enough good things about them.

Click Tours

• Good - 663 reviews for Israel tours

Well done with scheduling and good hotels and good choices

Our guide in Israel, Didza, was fantastic as was our guide In Cairo. However, due to the war situation in Israel things had to get adjusted and TourRadar/Click showed little initiative or logic in the new itinerary. As someone else pointed out in a review, we are all put in different hotels and time was wasted going from one to the other to pick up and drop off people. We had a very small group and ended up in hotels quite far apart in Cairo. They even left us dangling in Jordan without a guide for two days or even any communication until the end of the first day. At least in Amman, the hotels were next to each other and shared the same dining room. Because of the war, we needed to communicate real time with someone about our concerns and wishes and there was no way to do it. Israel, Jordan and Egypt had separate tour guides, drivers and even several people picking us up at the airport. It was very disorganized. They also had us originally flying to Cairo for a midnight arrival at our hotels and then an early start the next morning. We asked to change to an earlier flight and were hit up for $80 each change fee. Just ridiculous. There was little indication that Tourradar/Click are really travel agencies that care about their travelers. I will never travel with them again or refer them to anyone else.

Consolidated Tour Operators

• Good - 51 reviews for Israel tours

I loved the Heritage of the Holy Land tour. Our tour guide Leah was very knowledgeable and informative. Our bus driver Hassam was very good about navigating the narrow streets with a tour bus. We all became like family by the end of the week.

The tour was simply fantastic! Our group had an excellent dynamic that was created by our fabulous tour guide, Ditza Kornfeld. There is no other way to describe the professionalism Ditza commands other than superior! Her knowledge and professionalism is only exceeded by her passion to share, educate and enliven all aspects of the Holy Land tour and Israel in general.

Booking Tours

• Excellent - 383 reviews for Israel tours

very good trip saw all the sites, a few cancellations due to the conflict but compensated for that, I would recommend the tour

A well planned visit. Abu, the guide in Cairo was excellent and things were quite well organised. The hotel in Cairo could have been better. Otherwise, would recommend the tour and operator!!

Abraham Tours

• Excellent - 842 reviews for Israel tours

We explored parts of Israel and Jordan in early October 2023. The trip was coordinated by Tour Radar and Abraham Tours. We stayed at two Abraham Hostels on this tour ( one Tel Aviv and one in Jerusalem) as well as a Bedouin Camp in Jordan. The tours in Israel included Old CIty of Jaffa, Old Jerusalem, Masada and the Dead Sea. All amazing sites to see. We travelled into Jordan on the three day tour and saw/explored Mount Nebo, Petra and Wadi Rum. I can honestly say that all of the tours we did were some of the best i have ever done. The history and the scenery was spectacular. The food that was included/served was a little repetitive at the various places, however was pretty good (nobody got sick) and it would appear that Abraham Tours had sourced some of the cleanest/nicer places to eat. I would certainly condsider booking with Tour Radar/Abraham Tours in the future.

Excellent deal that afforded me the opportunity to observe more fascinating things than I imagined. Choosing the more, ahem, affordable option, I didn't upgrade to a private room. It was a tad uncomfortable at first, but I did get to meet a lot of cool, interesting people, which is quite the feat for somebody with introverted tendencies. Every guide was very well informed and friendly. Although I have a working knowledge of biblical history, they really fleshed out many of the stories within a geographical context, as well as a lot of the traditions that are in place today. Some of the sites we got to experience include the Dead Sea, Masada, the Old City of Jerusalem (including the Western Wall and the Temple Mount), Petra and Wadi Rum, and the West Bank. Navigating entry to both Jordan and Palestine, then back to Israel, would have been tricky had it not been for their expert assistance. If you only have one opportunity to visit this captivating land, then I highly recommend this tour.

Agate Travel

• Excellent - 280 reviews for Israel tours

Awesome trip… one small issue was resolved really quickly… thanks.. highly recommend

Receptivo Aborigen Tours

• Good - 92 reviews for Israel tours

I have never been on a worse tour in my life! Despite the fact I contacted you several times regarding my issues with the company you sub-contracted with, I never received a response on how you were going to remedy the problem. I paid over $4000 extra for a small group tour that I did not receive Instead, after I paid in full, the Aborigine tour operator changed my booking to a large group tour. I provided you with documentation and you still have not responded on how you were going to handle the situation. The tour operator totally ignored my complaint and denied it was ever supposed to be a small group. I can only surmise the whole operation is a scam. I would appreciate a personal call from management of TourRadar before I get legal assistance.

We looked forward to the “Egypt, Jordan & Israel - 14 days” tour sponsored by Receptivo Aborigen Tours of Buenos Aries with high expectations, since it was fairly-well packaged for the price. Even before we departed, it went downhill. I generally take no pleasure in posting anything less than a stellar review, because bitterness is no companion. But other good people will look at this tour, and should have a full appreciation of what may lie ahead. Much of the tour was wonderful, and greatly enjoyed. But… First off, the itinerary was inexact and poorly written, or poorly translated to English, perhaps, causing a number of unnecessary problems and missed opportunities. Most unacceptable among them was the all-day van drive to St Catherine’s only to learn then that the monastery viewing was an all-night pilgrimage in very cold temperatures which we were unprepared for. Why? Because the itinerary clearly said the pilgrimage would be the next morning. So we spent the entire day doing nothing but sitting in a van. Plus, instead of two rooms we had only one and were given a plywood board for the third bed, which collapsed in the middle of the night… The next day, some last minute changes in the transportation routing required us to spend all day in transit, arriving in Petra too late to do anything. So we lost two days, doing nothing. In Amman, we stayed at the Jordan Ayassa hotel and had to call the front desk three times over 1.5 hours for maintenance to finally come and turn off a thundering sauna baking us in the room. Stuff happens, all travelers know, but the tour operator should reconsider using a 3-star hotel that performs like a single star. At the border crossing from Jordan to Israel, the poorly written itinerary didn’t say how to cross the ‘middle zone’ and the agents on each side couldn’t communicate what had to happen. So we had to fight with local authorities to learn how to cross, hail a taxi ourselves, spending an hour dealing with this. It was all doable, but the tension on a border between countries that don’t get along is not something that should be inclusive of such a tour. The tour operator advertised that tour buses would be a maximum of 10 people but in Israel the buses held 18. So they were not small intimate tours, at least in Israel. Again, it was not the end of the world. But it was deceptive advertising (apparently the laws are lax in Argentina). Next the tour operator claimed that they “just lost” the local operator handling the northern Israel leg of the trip, and perhaps they did. If so, they logically should have replaced it with something substantial. Instead they scrambled and just added a couple of lame alternatives including several more handicapped-made tchotchke tourist traps to the agenda that we were mildly aggravating for being forced into. For instance, they could have added the Temple Mount in Jerusalem which definitely should have been on the initial itinerary anyway, since it’s arguably the most important site in Jerusalem. But they did not and that was near to inexcusable. So a lot of good, and a lot of bad, and we hope the operator gets their act together…since the tour is worth doing and a memorable experience, if better managed.

Tourist Israel

• Good - 131 reviews for Israel tours

This company took $1600 from 4 people last august and now will not answer phone,email or wats up. We have canceled our flights with el al and got our money back. This tour company will not communicate and may be out of business. Beware. We are appealing to the dept of tourism at this point and will stop at nothing to be sure tour israel does not continue to screw people.

We had booked the 5 Day Classic Israel Tour starting on Oct 29. 2023. On Oct 14, 2023 we received an email stating that they had cancelled our tour but we had the option to keep the credit to reschedule for a future date. This wasn't unexpected or unreasonable given the fact that the war had started on Oct 7th. What is unreasonable though is Tourist Israel's complete lack of communication since the initial email. I have been trying to reach them since returning home on Nov 8th but have gotten no response whatsoever. I have sent at least 10 emails, the latest of which was April 15, 2024. None of the emails have been returned or even acknowledged. I have requested a full refund or even a confirmation that I have an equivalent credit to use with Tourist Israel or one of their sister companies. Tourist Israel is happy to take your money but completely ignores you when there's an issue. I would definitely recommend not dealing with this company.

• Excellent - 322 reviews for Israel tours

Our tour was well planned and executed by Odynovo. At every stop we were properly greeted by a skilled greeter, had a good car and excellent driver, and an expert guide. Our hotels we quite good. As requested, hotels were not the top end, but just below. All in all, it was an excellent trip. This was our second tour with Odynovo and we will undoubtedly use them again.

We were very specific in our requests for this trip and Odynovo not only met all our requests but went over our expectations. They never missed a deadline in responding to our many questions/emails and were always professional yet warm. It was a great experience.

Bamba Travel

• Good - 1,690 reviews for Israel tours

I'll start with the good. The tour itself is really good, the things that you see are breathtaking but the poor organisation of the tour mean that sometimes you can't enjoy the experience. Just so that other people are aware Tour Radar don't actually organise the tour they give this responsibility to another company called Bamba experience, but they also are not the ones organising the tour, the tour is actually given by Tourist Israel so probably easier to book directly with them. It took me a few days to just find out where the meeting point was. I emailed Bamba experience and this agent replied that the meeting point was in Tel Aviv. Not sure if they realised that is an entire city and not a place. Eventually I did find out where it was. When i first arrived at the meeting point no one knew who the first two companies were. Tourist israel is only mentioned in one of the many emails that they sent me so it was very difficult to know what i should ask about. I asked the driver if i was in the right place he told me he's not the tour guide, just the driver. I tried calling to ask on their 24h phone line and of course no one answered. I asked people around and some were on a 2 day tour some on a 4 day tour. Since mine was 3 i thought it might be a different one. Then i spoke to someone who was on the 3 day tour. On a whim i got on the bus. We drove all the way to the border without anyone checking tickets or anything like that. The border crossing takes about 3h - not the tour's fault but just a heads up. We get on the Jordanian side and there was no one from tourist israel, just this guy saying 'fun time, fun time'. Someone tells him that we're not with fun time but if he knows where the guide from tourist israel is and he's like oh yeah they are the same thing. This is something we were meant to somehow know. We go with him and my name wasn't on the list. I start calling them abd sending emails and they just told me they were gonna look into it. Eventually the border allows me to go and we continue the journey. Few hours later i ask the guide if he has heard anything else from the agency and he's like yes, did i not tell you? When we got to Petra, on our lunch break there was thus guy asking people for payment. I told them that i have already paid but they guy said that he doesn't care that he hasn't received the money and if i want to get back on the tour bus then i had to pay again. Given that my options were wuite limited i paid again as I didn't want to be left in Petra. Then I got back in touch with the agency and they ensured me that they will sort it out in a few days. It took over a month and constant emails for me to get my money back and every day they would tell me i would have my money in 2-3 days. We also didn't get to sleep in the Bedouin camp as promised in the offer, hotels were 2 stars max and the food was pretty bad. Again, the sights are amazing and well worth seeing but the organisation of the tour is deplorable. My advice is to book directly with tourist israel as they seem to be the only ones in the area actually organising tours, but ask first.

Better communication, more organization

• Excellent - 5,358 reviews for Israel tours
• This operator has no Israel reviews

Encounters Travel

• Excellent - 1,374 reviews for Israel tours

It was very well organised, very comprehensive tour with an excellent guide. Our group was 16 in number, all ages and nationalities. Most enjoyable and would definitely book with them again.

This is a comprehensive tour. Just what we wanted for a first visit to Israel. Our guide, Yehuda was fantastic. His background in archaeology combined with his experience of modern Israel gave us a complete picture of this beautiful country. All of the arrangements went without a hitch, including airport transfers and accommodations, We saw the best of Hebrew, Roman, Jewish and Christian, ancient and modern Israel. Highly recommended

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Mazada Tours | Israel incoming tour operator

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Highlights Of Israel Tours

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Over 4 decades of exceptional, first-hand travel experiences. We offer an array of VIP experiences in Israel, Jordan, and Egypt and create tailor-made journeys for discerning traveler's.

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Mazada Tours offers a wide range of special activities that have been tailored to ensure you are "wowed" no matter the activity you choose

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People have cultivated grapes and made wine in Israel for at least...

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If you want to see the stars, and we mean, really see the stars...

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If you want to see the stars, and we mean, really see the stars...There’s nothing like plunging into the water and seeing colorful...

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Effortless, romantic and breathtaking: a hot air balloon tour in Israel is...

We offer an array of VIP experiences in Israel, Jordan, and Egypt and create tailor-made journeys for discerning traveler's.

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Mazada Tours is one of Israel’s leading tour operators and has amassed over four decades of exceptional, first-hand travel experiences in the Holy Land.

We offer an array of VIP experiences in Israel, Jordan, and Egypt and create tailor-made journeys for discerning travelers. We are a one-stop-shop solution for all your travel needs in the region, organizing visas and private luxury transport, as well as booking guided tours and anything else you may need during your journey.

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Is your dream visit.

INCOMING ISRAEL is a travel company based in Israel that works with travel agencies and tour operators worldwide to provide local, personalized services in Israel.

Drawing on years of endless devotion to – and experience in - tourism in Israel, INCOMING ISRAEL is dedicated to create the most fulfilling and exciting journey possible for our guests, while providing them with the highest level of service, professionalism, and most of all - our special personal touch.

Private sector

INCOMING ISRAEL provides comprehensive tourist services to groups, travel agents, organizations, business travelers, families, and individuals.

Whether you are coming with a Jewish group, pilgrimage, special interest group, Jewish mission, or private car tour, INCOMING ISRAEL, with excellent team of experienced, multilingual guides and luxurious private cars, conventions and incentives is at your service.

Professional groups

INCOMING ISRAEL offers a wide range of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) services to professional organizations from around the world.

Whether you are looking for a new and exciting setting for your corporate meetings, or a brand-building major event in a luxurious, deluxe venue, INCOMING ISRAEL has the resources and the experience to bring your company events to the place where the ancient and the modern blend together seamlessly.

Day Tours 

INCOMING ISRAEL offers a wide selection of day tours to make your clients’ stay in Israel more memorable. Daily departures of one-day tours to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Masada and the Dead Sea, the North and Galilee - are available from all major cities.

Weekly Tours are offered throughout the year, to provide your clients with the opportunity to visit major sites throughout Israel.

INCOMING ISRAEL believes in making the Land of Israel – with all of its beauty, history, and diversity – accessible to everyone, no matter who they are or from where they come. However you may wish to visit Israel on your own, or with your family, as part of a synagogue or church group, or even with your entire corporation, INCOMING ISRAEL is here to tailor the visit that is exactly right for you.

At INCOMING ISRAEL, we understand our guests, and our personal approach enables us to address all of your wants, wishes, needs, hopes, interests and concerns, and to tailor the perfect visit for you.

Call us Make It Awesome

About Our Staff

David Lerner, CEO & Founder

Born in Buenos Aires to a very Zionist family. David immigrated with his family to Israel when he was 10-years-old.

After high school, David served in the Israel navy. Since then, he spent some time in the restaurant industry, and in hospitality, working as a flight attendant for El Al, in hotels, and finally in inbound tourism.

David’s fluency in Spanish, English, French and Hebrew, gives him a distinct advantage in understanding many cultures and people, enabling him to better understand the needs of his clients.

David Lerner 

CEO & Founder

What people say

We were blessed to be in the holy land from March 2 to 14, 2020, we were there on When the borders began to close due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. However,

Our experience was very spiritual and although there were changes in the itinerary, the work team managed to solve it in a very satisfactory way. What I must recognize and be thankful for the rest of my life, without exaggeration, was the solidarity or excellent or exceptional human work that we received from David Lerner, without having to do it, he moved to Jerusalem, moved all his contacts, encouraged us and resolved what many of us who asked for help did not do. He managed to remove from Israel the group  in the middle of a storm of uncertainty. Having all the justification to stay at his house, he did not move from our side until the Things were resolved. He gave us a lot of security and confidence and not only that, he was on the lookout until we were home. Those things are what one must value and not put at risk a trip so important that for many it is the only one in their life. Thank you 

Betsy Gomez

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+972-58-4646390

Israel Travel Agents & Reviews

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Customers rate Zicasso's travel referral service  5  on a scale of 1 to 5 based on  1540  reviews on Trustpilot

We match you with top tour companies that specialize in the trip you want,  whether it's a customized private tour or a group tour.

Embark on an unforgettable journey with our Israel travel agents. Their in-country expertise ensures your trip is enriched with exclusive access to historical landmarks, cultural treasures, and off-the-beaten-path wonders.  Collaborating with our travel agencies in Israel is a seamless process. Whether floating in the Dead Sea or wandering through Jerusalem, our Israel travel experts orchestrate every detail, crafting a bespoke adventure that aligns seamlessly with your preferences.  Elevate your travel experience by entrusting your plans to our Israel travel agencies. Immerse yourself in the allure of this remarkable destination, as our experts handle every aspect of your trip.

Discover our Israel travel agents, the top 10% of local specialists

Embark on an unforgettable journey with our Israel travel agents. Their in-country expertise ensures your trip is enriched with exclusive access to historical landmarks, cultural treasures, and off-the-beaten-path wonders. 

Collaborating with our travel agencies in Israel is a seamless process. Whether floating in the Dead Sea or wandering through Jerusalem, our Israel travel experts orchestrate every detail, crafting a bespoke adventure that aligns seamlessly with your preferences. 

Elevate your travel experience by entrusting your plans to our Israel travel agencies. Immerse yourself in the allure of this remarkable destination, as our experts handle every aspect of your trip.

Life-Enriching Travel

Trips curated by the world’s top destination experts

Concierge-level service leading up to and during your trip

Unique, exclusive experiences and insider access

Zicasso in the News

Kirsty's Travel Agency

 Based on  104  reviews

Destinations:

Verified review.

We were very happy with Zicasso and the travel company. There were no hitches. All of the guides, drivers, and hotels were wonderful. My husband came down with bronchitis in Egypt and the hotel immediately got him a doctor. The Egypt travel company continued to monitor his condition throughout the trip.

Bradley's Travel Agency

 Based on  36  reviews

Overall, the travel agency arranged an amazing and unforgettable tour for us in Israel. LeeAnn is extremely organized, positive, and knowledgeable about Israel. She was able to propose an amazing itinerary and worked with us on edits until it was perfect.During the tour itself, she was very hands-on and reached out to us frequently to ensure everything was running smoothly. There were some minor scheduling issues (as can be expected on a nine-day tour), but she was very hands-on and proactive at fixing. I would highly recommend this travel company and look forward to working with them again.

Nathan's Travel Agency

 Based on  74  reviews

We had a fantastic time exploring Israel with our guide from the travel agency, Nathan! We learned much about Israel's rich history, culture, and people. Our agent expertly planned our trip based on our requests and interests, and each day our itinerary included interesting and thoughtful sites and tours. We were surprised to find out that Nathan would be with us on each of our guided days since that had not been our experience on other trips. We are so glad that he was. It felt like we were traveling with an old friend who wanted us to have the best time and knew all the best places to take us to, to be sure that we did not miss them. Nathan is an excellent, knowledgeable driver and guide! He is a true Israelite, eager to share his love of Israel, its people, and its history with us. He did so in a warm and inviting manner while also giving us time to explore on our own. The travel agency helped to arrange each facet of our trip, including our arrival and departure from Israel, which were notably efficient and greatly appreciated.

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Private, Luxury Tours To Israel & Beyond

Explore israel & beyond.

OUR PASSION IS TRAVEL

When visiting Israel, we believe in providing a personal touch beyond just making your reservations. All our agents have travelled extensively and have first-hand knowledge of the destinations we book for you.

We specialize in private, luxury tours that are custom, tailor-made to you.

Our goal is to take your dream tour and make it a reality.

Israel & Beyond guides are the best in Israel, not only are they knowledgeable they are also the friendliest most professional guides you can find.  

They will take care of your every need and make sure that your trip is full of adventure, excitement and fun!

A Trip of a Lifetime

Israel & beyond is a travel agency for private, luxury tours in israel..

We will take you on a journey in between the magnificent views and sites and attractions in Israel, all customized to your needs and interests!

Whether you want to travel following the bible or a certain period of time, if you want an adventurous trip, to eat amazing food, or you just want to

relax and enjoy the view, We at ISRAEL & BEYOND will provide it for you.

The best hotels, guides, VIP transportation, restaurants and more, helicopters, yachts, private chefs etc. just ask, and we will take care of every detail!

What To See

Wh at To D o

Where To Stay

What To Eat

Transportation

Answer our quick questionnaire so we can customize your trip to your needs

"Perfect for a family with active kids"

We had a wonderful two days with Amit touring Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. We have three boys - ages 9, 13, 14 - and Amit was the perfect guide for a family with active kids. He set up a mix of cultural and recreational activities to keep everyone engaged and interested, and was flexible with timing and unplanned stops to accommodate boys who eat every couple of hours. Between his time in Tel Aviv, his time in the US, his current residence in the north of Israel, and a lot of travel around the world, he was able relate on many different levels.

Bo P. - November 2022

Our Favorite Locations

• Sep 29, 2023

Sukkot Splendor: Celebrate the Jewish Harvest Festival

• Sep 25, 2023

Yom Kippur Unveiled: A Transformative Experience in Israel

• Aug 12, 2023

From Turrets to Tracks: Unleash Your Inner Commander at Latrun Tank Museum!

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DISCOVER ISRAEL

Our services, our mission.

Tabar Tours, a proven and known tourism operator, is constantly elevating the travel, safety and accommodation standards in Israel. Whether its religious tours, business, professional and training tours, or just casual getaways, Tabar Tours has the perfect formula to transform your stay in Israel into an unforgettable experience, regardless of the purpose of your visit.

Israel, the Startup Nation, has become a force to reckon with on multiple fronts. Its military prowess is well documented, so are its technological capabilities in multiple sectors. People all around the world are now being attracted to this tiny, yet powerful and influential country.

Tabar Tours works with the best professionals in Israel. We collaborate with trusted agencies and third-party businesses and have exclusive access to the best experts, professionals, and lecturers. Tabar Tours will set up and polish every aspect of your trip, making you feel at home as soon as you step foot in Israel.

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Israel Based & Family Owned, We Love Our Clients!

Our goal is to inspire every customer that travels Israel with our company. We care about our customers and work hard to give the best of Israel at the best price! Shalom Israel Tours is family owned & based in Israel since 2002. 

• 2024 Group Tours Menu
• 10 Day Israel Tour Adventure
• 12 Day Israel Tour Experience
• 13 Day Israel Tour & Petra Trip
• 15 Day Israel Experience & Petra
• Deluxe Small Group Israel Tours!

• 10 Day Family Israel Tour
• 14 Day Bar/Bat Mitzvah Israel Tour
• VIP Private Couples Israel Tour
• Wheelchair Friendly Israel Tour
• Israel Wine & Adventure Tour
• Art & Culture Israel Tour Experience
• Modern Israel Tour Adventure
• Water & Hiking  Sample Tour

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What People are Saying

"Fantastic Experience!"

"unbelievable week in israel", "great family private tour", "flawless tour of israel", "lifetime memories", "absolutely fabulous", "trip of a lifetime", "exceptional experience", "amazing trip", "perfect in every way".

Our Group Israel Tours

which tour interests you:?

• 10 Day Israel Adventure
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Discover the sites

amazing locations…

• Golan Heights Tour SItes
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• Judean Desert Sites
• Negev Desert Tour Sites
• Tel Aviv & Jaffa Tour Sites
• Tiberias & Jordan Valley SItes

Explore more!

useful info for your trip…

• Advice on Israel Travel
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Let’s Go Touring!

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PRIVATE ISRAEL TOURS

Design your ultimate private Israel tour with Dekel Tours

Uncompromising Quality . Unparalleled Service . Let us show you Israel , Uncomplicated .

Dekel Tours takes Private Israel Tours personally We believe planning a trip shouldn’t feel like work. We’ll take care of all the details, creating a once-in-a-lifetime private Israel tour package perfectly suited to your individual tastes and preferences. All you have to do is get on a plane and leave your luxury Israel tour to us. Private Israel tours are our specialty

Whether you’ve visited Israel before or you’ve never been. Whether you’re exploring your Jewish roots or embarking on a Christian Holy Land experience. Whether you’re adrenaline junkies, nature lovers, foodies, history buffs, or all of the above—we’ll personally handcraft your custom Israel tour package around you.

We’ll cater to your family’s unique characteristics and interests and create the all-inclusive Israel tour package that’s perfect for you.

Experience the land of the Bible on an unforgettable private luxury Holy Land tour for couples, families, and friends.

Details matter. Quality matters. With our 24/7/365 personal travel concierge service, we’ll make sure you always feel at home while you’re our guests.

For synagogue trips to Israel, there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all. We will custom-build your Israel trip around your congregation so this once-in-a-lifetime journey will be absolutely perfect.

Whether you’re planning a trip for a church group or any other faith community, we’ll create a fully customized Holy Land experience built around your group’s unique needs and preferences.

We understand that incentive travel is all about making connections. Let us create a custom travel experience built around your group’s unique needs.

Planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah in Israel?

Celebrate incredible milestones surrounded by timeless tradition. Engage in over 5000 years of Jewish history and culture and build a lasting connection to the Jewish Homeland.

Plan a Private Bar Mitzvah Tour in Israel

Plan a Private Bat Mitzvah Tour in Israel

Browse Israel Tour Packages

Looking for ready-made? Our Israel tour packages are perfectly uncomplicated and ready to go! Choose one of our painstakingly designed tour packages for a completely hassle-free travel experience. Each private tour package comes with the full backing of Dekel Tours and our Uncompromising Quality, Uncomplicated Travel promise.

Visit our Israel Travel Guide

Looking for some inspiration for your Israel trip?

Israel has got so much to offer. Explore our Israel Travel Guide packed with useful information, travel inspiration, and Israel tips and tricks. We’ve collected a vast store of knowledge in our years of custom designing private Israel tours, and we’re excited to share our wisdom. Whether it’s advice about how to plan an enriching trip that the whole family will enjoy, how to make sure you’re getting the most out of Israel’s incredible culinary and wine scene, or where to spend a few days in Israel unwinding after your amazing tour, we’ve got answers for all your questions.

Your vacation is our job (not yours)

We can’t wait to share Israel with you! We’re not your average tour operators. We’ll be your travel concierge, event planners, problem-solvers, and all-around nice people who really just want you to have the most amazing Israel trip from the moment you touch down.

Accommodations

From family suites to stunning spas, we know hotels. We’ll help you choose hotels according to your needs and tastes. We’ll hand-pick the best options for you and your budget and make all the arrangements for you — all at preferential rates.

Private tour guides

Bring your hand-crafted touring itinerary to life. We’ll carefully match you with a licensed, English-speaking tour guide, so everywhere you roam, you’ll have a local expert to share insight and help you gain a deeper understanding of the places you visit.

Transportation

Always be comfortable (and cool) while you tour the country. Dekel Tours will handle all of your transportation needs while we host you in Israel. From airport transfers to special events and every stop on your custom itinerary, we’ll make sure you get there comfortably.

Event planning

Make sure every detail of your event is perfect. Let us take the stress out of planning your event: we’ll help you choose the right venue, be your on-site event coordinator, and handle all the little details to ensure the entire day goes off without a hitch.

24/7/365 guest support

Above and beyond is the least we can do for you. Last-minute changes, add-ons and upgrades, answering questions, finding solutions, and anything you need to make your trip absolutely perfect. Anything. Anytime. Seriously.

For travel professionals

We’re a trusted local partner for your valued clients, when you need a regional expert who can provide the level of service and quality that your clients are expecting. We can create all types of private touring packages in Israel, including trip extensions to Jordan and Egypt.

Get ready to create an unforgettable private Israel tour

With an effortless, uncomplicated experience and our quality travel services, we’re dedicated to making this your trip of a lifetime!

Meet the friendly people behind your amazing Israel experience!

For us, building custom Israel tours is all about people. We actually take your Israel tour personally: we spend the time to get to know you and treat your trip as if it were our own. From the earliest phases of planning until you board the plane home, we’re dedicated to making sure your Israel experience is absolutely perfect.

Check out our guest reviews

Discover what traveling with Dekel Tours is really like and find out why we’ve been racking up the accolades on TripAdvisor.

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Israel Tours & World Travel

Start planning your next vacation.

For Jewish, Christian and Interfaith Israel Travel – Look below at our upcoming set departures and guided tours!

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Israel Is Open!

Learn more about the guidelines about travel to Israel

Group Tours

Classic tours, custom tours, christian tours, bar/bat mitzvah, morocco tours, build your own custom israel tour , guest reviews.

Hi Larry, We just wanted to thank you for the most incredible tour we could have asked for. Everything was perfect, guided tours were informative, interesting, and well planned. We made new friends on the buses, and enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you and your staff for the aid in planning which tour would be perfect. The only small complaint was the Lavi Kibbutz hotel. Lacked luster, style, and the food was not my favorite of all the places we visited. Keeping things in perspective, again, we thank you for all you did.

Everything went so well, and I’m so grateful to you for all of your help.  There wasn’t a single issue at any point, and we especially loved our two guides (Josie and Daron).  They were incredibly knowledgeable and helpful!

Thank you, again!!!

We had a very meaningful renewal of vows ceremony this morning for Eric and Shelley Kay at Kotel HaMasorti.  I spent time with the family at their hotel after Shabbat and immediately sensed how much this meant to them.  They were both emotional during the ceremony and expressed beautiful thoughts to each other.  I’m sure their daughter Rachel was very impressed. Thanks to all in the Tel Aviv and New Jersey offices for making the arrangements.

I just recently returned from Israel with this tour company, and it …was certainly a great experience and better than expected. The professionalism of this tour group was tremendous; I could not have been happier with the outcome. It was a trip of a lifetime and one which I will always be thankful. I have to credit Israel Tour & World Travel for doing such a great job in helping my experience to be so worthwhile.

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395 west northfield road, livingston, nj 07039.

• Israel Tours
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Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Israel 2024/2025

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Israel. Below you will find 15 of the best tour operators and travel agencies in Israel offering in total 167 tours and holidays through-out Israel. Combined they have received 25 customer reviews and an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars. The top tour activities offered in Israel are: Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history, Special interests and hobbies & Adventure and sport.

• Tours in Israel
• Israel Travel Guide
• Best Time to Visit Israel

13 Tour Operators in Israel with 25 Reviews

Intrepid Travel

• Address 380 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Australia
• Response Rate 90%
• Response Time 2 hours

• Best-in-Class Top 5% of companies
• Excellent Service Top 10% of companies
• Superior Service Top 15% of companies

Encounters Travel

• Address Leigh House, Varley Street, Leeds, England
• Response Rate 94%
• Response Time 3 hours

• Address Picquet House, St Peter Port, Guernsey, London, England

• Address 38-51 Bedford Way, London, England
• Response Rate 88%
• Response Time 1 hour

Insight Vacations

• Address 33 Kern Road, Toronto, Canada
• Response Rate 86%

• Address Hocapasa Mah. Tayahatun Sokak No:3 Sukran Han 3rd Floor, Sirkeci, Istanbul, Turkey
• Response Rate 71%

Collette Tours

• Address 162 Middle Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, USA

• Address 2461 FM 778, Mineola, USA
• Response Rate 95%

On The Go Tours

• Address 3 Shortlands, 4th floor, Office 19, Hammersmith, England

• Address Kibbutz Galuyot 34 , Tel Aviv, Israel
• Response Rate 49%

Destination Services

• Address Edificio TUI, SM2, Calle Rita Levi, Parc Bit, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
• Response Rate 98%

Exodus Travels

• Address Grange Mills, Weir Road, London, England
• Response Rate 85%

Europamundo

• Address c/ Garcia de Paredes Nº 55 1ª Planta, Madrid, Spain
• Response Rate 96%

Traveling to Israel? Chat with a local travel specialist in Israel who can help organize your trip.

Israel Tour Reviews

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Upcoming Departures

• Spring 2024/2025
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Create & Deliver

With almost 50 years as an incoming tour operator, Amiel has earned its worldwide reputation as the leading provider of tourism to Israel

From an endless breadth of sites, traditions, and activities to choose from, WE CREATE a perfect journey designed specifically for the likes, needs and interests of any, and make it memorable, leaving a taste for more.  

MEMORABLE For YOUR

Trip of a lifetime

Meeting Israel’s people

Pilgrims in the Holy Land

Country Walkers

3 Generations, and a Birthday

Leaders Tour to the Holy Land

Amiel’s mission is to create and deliver experiences that resonate for a lifetime. Our love for Israel, passion for sharing its landscapes, history and traditions with travelers from around the globe, and our ability to stay relevant, after so many years in business, are why tour operators choose us again and again, as their trusted partner in Israel. 

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• israel insider

Israel Revealed

Customized travel. authentic experiences. inspiring discoveries. connect to the land, people and culture of israel..

TRAVEX creates exciting tailored journeys that capture the energy and spirit of Israel. Using our diverse expertise, we craft bespoke experiences that engage and inspire, exceeding all expectations.

Exploring Israel is the trip of a lifetime. A fascinating destination with pursuits to fit every desire. Ancient ruins. Diverse people. Sandy beaches. Gourmet cuisine. Sacred holy sites. Dramatic landscapes. Engaging encounters.

There is a bit of Israel in all of us. We invite you to explore the Israel in you.

CONNECTING TO YOUR ROOTS

Jewish heritage.

HOLY SITES – SACRED SPACES

Christian pilgrimage.

TEMPTING YOUR SENSES

Food & wine.

JUST ACROSS THE BORDER. ENCHANTMENT.

Jordan & petra.

CREATING FAMILY MEMORIES

Bar & bat mitzvah.

OPENING HIDDEN DOORS

Insider access.

BETTER TOGETHER

Family adventure.

PREMIUM DESTINATION DISCOVERIES

Shore excursions.

LUXURY AMENITIES AT EVERY TURN

Concierge services.

ISRAEL. UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

NEW. DIFFERENT. EXCITING

Creative & cool.

CLASSICAL MEETS CONTEMPORARY

History & art, ultimate happenings, events & incentive travel.

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Missions and Delegations to Israel

I had a fantastic week in Israel thanks to WeRIsrael and I’m coming back for sure!

For a long time, I wanted to arrive to Israel and finally I got the chance to do it. We spent here 10 days that left us with beautiful memories!

Cao Chufeng

We came to Israel to shoot a film. A big thanks to WeRIsrael and their tour leader, for being such a great team, for taking care of us, and show us around all the important places that we couldn't explore without them.

It's my 6th time in Israel, and I love this country so much, and for many years I have a dream having a convention in Israel, and I'm really glad we chose WeRIsrael to run our convention!

Tailor-Made Travel

Experience the best of Israel with our custom-designed trips, catering to your interests and preferences. Explore at your own pace while we take care of every detail for a truly unforgettable journey.

Celebrate in Israel

Make your special occasions even more memorable in the Holy Land. From B'nai mitzvahs to weddings, and other milestone celebrations, we plan and coordinate your event with expert precision, ensuring a magical experience.

Embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure with our exclusive, expertly curated tours. Discover hidden gems and enjoy unparalleled experiences that showcase the diverse wonders of Israel.

Go "off the beaten path" and see the places you never imagined

Welcome to LET

Our team’s combined 50+ years of experience in leading Israel trips, experiential education, and personalized client service will provide a top-quality experience created from the choices you make. This can include pushing you outside your comfort zone, wrestling with the diversity of Israel, having a deeper interpersonal journey, or simply booking a vacation to Israel. Our Israel trips are for all ages and all abilities. We guide you from imagining to developing to engaging with the places, people and stories of your destination.

Whether it’s your first trip, a multigenerational family vacation or your organization’s annual pilgrimage, we'll take you beyond

Once the journey starts it never ends

Our tour begins long before you reach the destination.

Our team meets you virtually to learn your needs and expectations

We create the real-time moments for the adventure that is waiting for you

We make sure everything goes smoothly during your journey

We continue the connection long after your return with ways to reflect and remember your experience.

Let us take you on a journey where you explore, learn and experience the unexpected.

Don't Just Take Our Word For It!

The Leader in Faith Based Travel!

Serving Travel Advisors in Faith-Based Travel since 1974!

Bible Land Cruises

Visit Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, Rome, Israel and more on a Lands of the Bible or Journeys of Paul Cruise!

Holy Land Tours

The Bible will come alive as you Walk in the Footsteps of Jesus, Sail on the Sea of Galilee and Pray at the Western Wall on these amazing itineraries!

Tour Categories

Journeys of Paul

Europe Tours

Take advantage of these travel deals, all starting under $4,000 per person.

The Bible will come alive as you Walk in the Footsteps of Jesus, Sail on the Sea of Galilee and Pray at the Western Wall on these amazing itineraries!

Cruise the Journeys of Paul to Athens, Corinth, Ephesus and beyond or visit the lands of the Bible with multiple stops in Israel in addition to Italy, Greece and more!

River Cruises

In partnership with AMAWaterways, ETS offers Faith Based Cruising at its finest. Have wonderful times of fellowship, worship and relaxation that only a River Cruise can offer.

Catholic Pilgrimages

Take a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Italy, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, France, Mexico more!

ETS will aspire to fulfill Mass requests based upon priest and location availability.

Domestic Tours

Discover the history of Christianity in America on one of our journeys that might take you to Washington DC, Alabama, and beyond.

Church Heritage Tours

Visit the roots of your faith - follow in the footsteps of John Wesley, Martin Luther, John Calvin and more on these life-changing pilgrimages.

Retreat Cruises

Experience Christian Fellowship and sail to incredible ports. These themed cruises will deepen your faith with incredible guest speakers and wonderful ports of call.

Cultural & History

Immerse yourself into cultures around the world; gondola rides in Mexico, wine tasting in France and Italy & rickshaw rides in India just to name a few!

Missions Experiences

Africa & Asia

Why Choose ETS?

During the past four decades, our market has continued to expand and includes a variety of destinations as featured in this web site. ETS all-inclusive tours are structured to serve groups and individual travelers through travel agents.

I definitely feel safe in Israel! I haven’t had any concerns the entire time we’ve been here. I liked the trip over to the Galilee. It was absolutely wonderful and there were so many places along the way that were high points for me.

Judy & Brad Play Video

The tour guides must be the best in the industry. I have to say I was just baptized in the Jordan River and it was absolutely life-changing!

Kolleen Play Video

Ets customer.

We've had a wonderful time here in Israel. I will be coming back and bringing back family, friends and church members to experience what I've experienced...

Val Play Video

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• International

Israel-Hamas war

University protests

SCOTUS hears abortion case

April 12, 2024 - Israel-Hamas war

By Chris Lau, Sana Noor Haq, Adrienne Vogt , Matt Meyer and Tori B. Powell , CNN

Our live coverage of Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza has moved  here .

USAID worker killed in Israel, agency says

From CNN's Jennifer Hansler

A staff member with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) died Friday in the Israeli port city of Jaffa, the agency announced.

The male staffer was with USAID’s West Bank and Gaza mission, the agency said in a brief statement.

USAID did not provide details on the circumstances around his death or his identity or citizenship.

“He was a dedicated member of our team for more than two decades, and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues,” USAID said.

USAID is working with the US Embassy to work out details about the fatal incident and its follow-up investigation, it said.

US expects Iran to carry out direct strikes against targets inside Israel, sources say

From CNN's MJ Lee and Natasha Bertrand

The United States currently expects Iran will carry out strikes against multiple targets inside Israel and that Iranian proxies could also be involved in carrying out the attacks, according to a senior administration official and a source familiar with the intelligence.  

The targets would likely be both inside Israel and around the region.

The beginning of a state-on-state conflict between Iran and Israel would mark a serious escalation in the region that the US has hoped to avoid.

US sees Iran moving military assets including drones and cruise missiles, sources say

From Natasha Bertrand and Oren Liebermann

The US observed Iran moving military assets around internally, including drones and cruise missiles, signaling that it is possibly preparing to attack Israeli targets from inside its own territory, according to two people familiar with US intelligence. 

It is not clear whether Iran is preparing to strike from its soil as part of an initial attack, or if it is posturing to try to deter Israel or the US from conducting a possible counter strike on its territory. 

One of the people said the US had observed Iran readying as many as 100 cruise missiles.

Some context: The Iranians want their retaliatory strike on Israel — a response to the Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate last week in Damascus — to be "significant," one of the people familiar with the intelligence said. But they also want to avoid getting embroiled in a direct war with Israel and the US, CNN has reported, which is why US intelligence has assessed that Iran may use its proxy forces to launch the first attack.

Israeli settlers storm village in West Bank and kill at least 1 Palestinian. Here's what you should know

From CNN staff

Hundreds of armed Israeli settlers stormed a village in the occupied West Bank on Friday, setting fire to several homes and cars — and leaving at least one Palestinian dead — in one of the largest attacks by settlers this year, according to Palestinian officials. 

The settlers attacked Al-Mughayyir village, east of Ramallah, raided homes and fired gunshots at residents, according to Amin Abu-Alia, the head of the village council. Videos obtained by CNN show parts of the village burning, with smoke billowing over several buildings and settlers lobbing rocks. Houses and cars are seen completely burnt up, with sounds of gunfire and clashes heard in the background.

Here are other headlines you should know:

• More Israeli attacks: An Israeli airstrike early Friday killed at least 29 people and injured dozens more after troops targeted a house belonging to the well-known Al-Tabatibi family in eastern Gaza City, according to a local health official. Israeli forces also surrounded and attacked the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, wounding several journalists and at least one other person. And in the occupied West Bank, troops killed two Hamas members in a raid on the city of Tubas, according to Israeli and Palestinian officials.
• Hezbollah-Israel clashes: Around 40 rockets were fired from Lebanon on Friday evening, according to the Israeli military. Some were intercepted and the rest fell in open areas, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement. Israeli warplanes also carried out several airstrikes on Friday, targeting "military buildings" used by Hezbollah fighters in parts of southern Lebanon, the IDF said.
• Iranian threats: US President Joe Biden told reporters Friday he expects an attack from Iran will happen “sooner than later," with the White House adding that there is a "very credible" threat of Iranian retaliatory strikes against Israel. Additionally, the US Defense Department is moving additional assets to the Middle East region, a defense official told CNN, as the US and Israel brace for the potential attack . Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and US Central Command Commander Gen. Erik Kurilla on Friday discussed preparations for the  potential attack .
• Warnings amid Iranian threats: France , Germany, Canada and the United States are among countries that are warning their citizens not to travel to the region due to the threat of an Iranian attack against Israel.
• Humanitarian aid: The Israeli military does not understand how humanitarian operations work, a top United Nations official said Friday, maintaining there is a "degree of mistrust" that needs to be resolved between the IDF and nongovernmental organizations on the ground in Gaza.
• Sanctions: The European Council has  adopted sanctions  against three Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad entities , in light of "their responsibilities in the brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks" that occurred across Israel on October 7. The US is also sanctioning four leaders of Hamas’ cyber and drone operations based in Gaza and Lebanon, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller announced on Friday. 

US will attempt to intercept launches at Israel if feasible, US officials say

From CNN's Oren Liebermann and Natasha Bertrand

The US will attempt to intercept any weapons launched at Israel if it’s feasible to do so, two US officials told CNN, in an indication of the level of ongoing cooperation between the two militaries before an anticipated Iranian attack .

US Navy forces in the Red Sea have previously intercepted long-range missiles launched from the Houthis in Yemen toward Israel. US forces in Iraq and Syria could also potentially intercept drones and rockets targeting northern Israel, depending on the location from which they’re launched.

Gen. Erik Kurilla, the commander of US Central Command, has been in Israel meeting with the country’s security leadership. On Friday, the Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, met with Kurilla.

There have been a number of conversations where US officials have urged Israel not to escalate the situation in retaliating against Iran, according to one of the US officials. 

Remember: An Iranian attack is expected in response to Israel’s deadly strike of Tehran's consulate in Damascus, Syria, last week.

The Damascus attack was the latest incident to stoke fears of a wider regional conflict breaking out in the Middle East during Israel's campaign in Gaza.

Diplomatic efforts: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has held a slew of calls to foreign counterparts aimed at pressuring Iran not to attack Israel.

The top US diplomat spoke with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Friday, according to a readout from State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

Blinken also spoke with the Turkish, Chinese and Saudi foreign ministers in recent days, Miller said.

Israeli settlers kill at least 1 Palestinian while storming West Bank village

From CNN’s Kareem Khadder and Zeena Saifi in Jerusalem and CNN’s Benjamin Brown in London

Hundreds of armed Israeli settlers stormed a village in the occupied West Bank on Friday, setting fire to several homes and cars in one of the largest attacks by settlers this year, according to Palestinian officials. 

At least one Palestinian man was killed when shots were fired by Israeli settlers in the village of Al-Mughayyir, east of Ramallah, according to the head of the village council Amin Abu-Alia. He said he identified the killed Palestinian as his 26-year-old relative named Jihad Abu-Alia, who was meant to get married this summer.

At least 25 others were injured in the rampage, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah, the scale of which has not been seen since hundreds of settlers stormed through the villages of  Turmusayya  and  Huwara  in two separate incidents last year. 

Between 1,000 and 1,200 settlers surrounded the village, and around 500 stormed it just after midday local time on Friday, blocking all the roads in the area, Abu-Alia told CNN.

He added that Israeli security forces informed Palestinian officials that the settlers were looking for a 14-year-old Israeli boy who had gone missing earlier in the day.

They attacked the village, raided homes and fired gunshots at residents, Abu-Alia said. Videos obtained by CNN show parts of the village burning, with smoke billowing over several buildings and settlers lobbing rocks. Houses and cars are seen completely burnt up, with sounds of gunfire and clashes heard in the background.

According to Abu-Alia, the Israeli military arrived at the scene at around 3 p.m. and didn’t stop the settlers from attacking the village. Israeli soldiers allowed them to raid homes, prevented Palestinian residents from moving around and blocked ambulances from reaching the injured, he added.  

Abu-Alia told CNN settlers stole approximately 70 sheep from the Palestinian village.

In response to a question by CNN, the IDF said “violent riots were instigated in multiple locations in the area” following the search for the boy.

Israel says airstrikes targeted Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon

Israeli warplanes carried out several airstrikes on Friday, targeting "military buildings" used by Hezbollah fighters in parts of southern Lebanon, according to the Israel Defense Forces.

The areas include the Aita al-Shaab and the Taybeh in southern Lebanon, said Avichay Adraee, I DF spokesperson for Arab media,  in a post on X.

"During the day, several shells were fired from Lebanon towards the Upper Galilee region, without causing any casualties. IDF forces attacked the sources of fire," Adraee added. 

The Israeli airstrikes were before the 40 rockets that were launched from Lebanon toward northern Israel Friday evening and claimed by Hezbollah.

Biden expects an attack from Iran will happen "sooner than later"

From CNN's Samantha Waldenberg

US President Joe Biden expects an attack from Iran will happen “sooner than later," he told reporters at the White House Friday.

“I don’t want to get into secure information but my expectation is sooner than later,” Biden said when asked how imminent an attack on Israel was.

Asked what his message to Tehran is right now, the president said “Don’t.”

In response to more shouted questions from reporters asking if American troops were at risk, Biden returned to the podium and said that the United States is "devoted” to the defense of Israel. 

“We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed,” Biden said.

Remember: The United States says it is on high alert for a significant Iranian retaliatory attack following Israel's deadly strike on Tehran's consulate in Damascus last week, raising fears of a wider regional war. There remains a “real,” “credible” and “viable” threat of Iran launching strikes, the White House said earlier Friday, following Israel’s attack on  a diplomatic compound in Syria that killed three Iranian generals.

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Middle East latest: Hamas releases hostage video; Hezbollah dismisses 'worthless' Israeli claims on commanders killed

Joe Biden has signed a $95bn security package after months of delays - including around $26bn for Israel. A US envoy has said Israel must do everything possible to avoid famine in Gaza. Listen to a Daily podcast on how the conflict is worsening Yemen's humanitarian crisis as you scroll.

Wednesday 24 April 2024 22:58, UK

• Israel-Hamas war
• Hamas releases video of hostage in Gaza
• Hezbollah dismisses 'worthless' Israeli claims on commanders killed
• IDF 'poised to launch offensive' on Gaza city of Rafah
• Israel 'hits 40 Hezbollah targets' in Lebanon
• The big picture : What you need to know about the conflict in the Middle East right now
• Listen to the Sky News Daily above and  tap here  to follow wherever you get your podcasts

We'll be back tomorrow with more updates on the Israel-Hamas war.

We reported earlier that the Houthis had attacked what they said were two American ships and an Israeli vessel (see post at 8.44pm).

Now, we are receiving more information on this.

The Iran-aligned group said it targeted the US ship Maersk Yorktown, an American destroyer in the Gulf of Aden and Israeli ship MSC Veracruz in the Indian Ocean.

The spokesman Yahya Sarea said: "The Yemeni armed forces confirm they will continue to prevent Israeli navigation or any navigation heading to the ports of occupied Palestine in the Red and Arabian Seas, as well as in the Indian Ocean."

Separately, British maritime security firm Ambrey said that it was aware of an incident southwest of the port city of Aden, an area where the Houthis often target ships they say are linked to Israel or the US.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan has said he expects to travel to Saudi Arabia in the next few weeks after postponing the trip due to a cracked rib.

Mr Sullivan told reporters he was feeling much better after the rib injury and that he was about 80% recovered. 

He is to discuss with Saudi officials whether a deal to normalise relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia can be reached.

By Dominic Waghorn , international affairs editor

Deep below Jerusalem, Israeli doctors are preparing for the worst.

Sky News has been given exclusive access to an underground hospital where they are expanding capacity in case the current conflict becomes much worse.

In a bunker below the Herzog Medical Centre the number of beds has been increased to 350 with 100 on the way. 

"Because it's built to withstand both biological and chemical attacks," Dr Yehezkel Caine told Sky News as we entered the complex.

"We have an airlock which is built of two separate sets of blast doors."

Beyond they have installed a whole new level of wards below the existing underground hospital, ripping out a logistics floor and installing more beds and equipment. 

The bunkers would be activated should other hospitals closer to the front need evacuating.  They are planning for worst case scenarios here like an all out war with Hezbollah.

"The hospitals in the north will be overwhelmed with casualties and they themselves will come under fire in which case they would have to evacuate their patients to the centre of the country, the same as we did in the first weeks of the war in the south," Dr Caine said.

Dr Caine and his staff know that after 7 October and the attack by Iran everything has changed for the people of Israel.

He said: "For the civilian population since the war of independence we've never been in a situation where the threat to the civilian population has been as great."

Above ground the Herzog Medical Centre continues with its peacetime specialisms.  

It has Israel's largest ventilator unit, treating adults and children, but also excels in psycho trauma treatment and geriatric rehabilitation. 

Many of those suffering PTSD from the trauma in this conflict are treated here.  

If Jerusalem itself is attacked the hospital can evacuate even the most vulnerable to the bunkers below in just a few hours. The bunkers can be entirely sealed off for 96 hours in what's called a Noah's Ark procedure. 

The Herzog drills its staff regularly, preparing for a reality its hope will never come. 

But events on the northern border are looking ominous.  

Israel has launched one of its biggest bombardments yet of Hezbollah after multiple shelling of northern Israeli communities. 

The lower level war continues with the ever present danger of escalation into something much bigger. 

If it comes, doctors in Jerusalem's biggest underground hospital say they'll be ready.

The Houthis have said they targeted an American warship destroyer in the Gulf of Aden today.

In a televised speech, the Iran-aligned group's military spokesman Yahya Sarea said the Maersk Yorktown container had also been targeted.

They also claimed they had targeted the Israeli ship MSC Veracruz in the Indian Ocean.

 The parents of Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin have called on leaders to "get a deal done" and bring back the hostages, as they asked their son to "stay strong and survive".

In response to the video released today by Hamas of their son, Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin, said seeing the video of Hersh today was "overwhelming".

Mr Polin said: "We are relieved to see him alive but we are also concerned about his health and wellbeing as well as that of all the other hostages and all of those suffering in this region.

"We are here today with a plea, to all of the leaders of the parties that have been negotiating to date - that includes Qatar, Egypt, the US, Hamas and Israel.

"Be brave, lean in, seize this moment and get a deal done to reunite all of us with our loved ones and to end the suffering in this region."

Speaking directly to Hersh, his mother said: "If you can hear this, we heard your voice today for first time in 201 days and if you can hear us I am telling you, we are telling you, we love you, stay strong, survive."

The Israeli army's chief-of-staff and the head of one of Israel's intelligence agencies visited Cairo to discuss its planned ground operation in Rafah, according to the Axios news website.

Three senior Israeli officials told the outlet that Herzl Halevi and Shin Bet's director Ronen Bar met with Egyptian officials, who are concerned an operation would lead to tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians fleeing into their territory.

Egypt has repeatedly warned Israel against an operation in Rafah, with which it shares a border and where more than a million Palestinians have been displaced to.

An Israeli government spokesperson said earlier today Israel will move ahead with its planned ground operation in the city (see post at 2pm).

The US State Department has called "dangerous and reckless" the reports that Israel is pushing to legalise dozens of settler outposts in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. 

Speaking at a daily press briefing, deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel also said Washington was continuing to press the government of Israel for more information on reports of mass graves in Gaza.

Explained: Earlier this week, reports emerged that Israel's finance minister Bezalel Smotrich was pushing to begin the process of legalising outposts in the West Bank.

Mr Smotrich sent instructions to several ministries telling them to begin preparations, the Times of Israel reported, citing Israel's Channel 12 News.

Reports have also emerged of mass graves discovered in the Khan Younis area of southern Gaza. The IDF said the claim that troops buried Palestinian bodies was "baseless and unfounded".

Hamas has posted a video showing an Israeli-American hostage on its Telegram account.

The short video, which is undated, purportedly shows Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was captured by Hamas at the Nova music festival during the 7 October attacks, alive.

It shows the 23-year-old, who is from California, missing his lower arm, which was blown off during the attack.

Speaking under duress while in captivity, Mr Goldberg-Polin says he is in "underground hell" and without the treatment he has needed.

"Benjamin Netanyahu and his government should be ashamed of yourselves because you neglected us along with thousands of other citizens," he says, urging the Israeli prime minister to resign after "rejecting" deals to release the hostages.

Every day the hostages are in Gaza they are ignored "more and more", he says.

"You ignore our blood... Do what is expected of you and bring us home immediately, or has this become too big for you?"

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society has released footage of plumes of smoke rising into the air after a house was reportedly shelled.

The shelling took place in Deir al Balah, in central Gaza.

After weeks of relative calm, Israel intensified its attacks overnight on Monday, focusing on areas - particularly in the north - from where it had previously withdrawn troops.

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Iran launches drone attack at Israel, expected to unfold 'over hours'

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Reporting by Dan Williams in Jerusalem, Parisa Hafezi in Dubai, Timur Azhari in Baghdad, Eric Beech and Doina Chiacu in Washington; Writing by Angus McDowall; Editing by Jonathan Oatis

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The Israeli military said artillery and fighter jet strikes had hit around 40 targets in southern Lebanon on Wednesday as the intense fighting of recent days continued to escalate, with Hezbollah firing dozens of rockets at an Israeli border village.

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North Korean official lambasts US over sanctions, state media says

North Korea will take more action to maintain its military power despite U.S. sanctions pressure that has only made the country stronger, a North Korean foreign ministry official said on Thursday.

The Ukrainian government, further tightening regulations as it seeks to address a shortage of troops, approved rules temporarily barring military-age men from applying for passports abroad.

Veteran DEA agent sentenced to 4 years for leaking intelligence in Miami bribery conspiracy

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NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge Wednesday sentenced a longtime U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent to four years in prison for leaking DEA intelligence to defense lawyers in a $100,000 bribery scheme that prosecutors said jeopardized drug cases and the lives of confidential informants.

John Costanzo Jr. was found guilty last year of bribery and honest-services wire fraud, joining a growing list of DEA agents convicted of federal crimes. Another former DEA supervisor, Manny Recio, is scheduled to be sentenced next month in the same case.

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U.S. District Court Judge Paul Oetken, in handing down his sentence, noted that the 49-year-old Costanzo was “especially culpable” as a supervisor because he “knew what he was doing was wrong.”

Prosecutors urged the judge to sentence Costanzo to at least seven years behind bars, saying he abused the tradecraft he mastered as a narcotics investigator steeped in the world of money laundering. He worked in supervisory roles in Miami and later at DEA headquarters outside Washington, D.C.

“Costanzo acted purely out of greed,” prosecutors wrote in court papers. “He used his network, connections and skills to hold himself above the law and make money for leaking law enforcement secrets, undermining everything he purported to stand for.”

Much of the case turned on text messages and wiretapped phone calls between Costanzo and Recio, who remained close after Recio retired from DEA in 2018 and began working as a private investigator for Miami defense lawyers.

Prosecutors allege that attorneys David Macey and Luis Guerra bankrolled the bribery scheme and used the leaked information to approach new clients facing federal drug charges. Macey and Guerra have not been charged but prosecutors in January asked the court for permission to access normally privileged communications between Recio and the attorneys as part of what they described as an “ongoing” investigation.

The DEA did not respond to a request for comment. Costanzo’s sentencing came less than two weeks after a federal jury in Buffalo, New York, convicted another veteran DEA agent of obstruction of justice and lying to federal agents in a sprawling corruption case.

Over the course of a year, Recio repeatedly asked Costanzo to query names in a confidential DEA database to keep abreast of federal investigations that would interest his new employers. The two also discussed the timing of high-profile arrests and the exact date in 2019 when prosecutors planned to bring charges against businessman Alex Saab, a top criminal target in Venezuela and suspected bag man for the country’s president, Nicolas Maduro.

In exchange, prosecutors said, Recio secretly funneled bribes to Costanzo, including plane tickets and a $50,000 down payment on a condo in suburban Coral Gables.

The conspiracy relied on middlemen, including Costanzo’s father, himself a retired and decorated DEA agent who prosecutors said lied to the FBI. Prosecutors said Costanzo and Recio also used sham invoices and a company listing its address as a UPS store to disguise the bribe payments while deleting hundreds of messages and calls to a burner phone.

In requesting a sentence of probation, Costanzo obtained letters of support from several former colleagues, including three current DEA agents and supervisors who described him as a dedicated public servant, generous friend and expert in illicit finance.

Costanzo’s attorney said his client’s only ambition was to follow in the footsteps of his father, John Costanzo Sr., a retired DEA agent who served for years in Italy and who is now battling pancreatic cancer.

“Not being present for his hero’s waning days and final months would break John forever,” defense lawyer Marc Mukasey argued in a pre-sentencing memo. “That is a punishment he does not deserve.”

Prosecutors, however, painted a less charitable view of the father-son relationship, pointing to the elder Costanzo’s role as a conduit for a $50,000 bribe payment that was used to purchase a Miami townhouse.

“The measure of Costanzo’s devotion to his family must include the fact that he exposed both his father and best friend to criminal exposure and imprisonment,” prosecutors wrote in a court filing.

Mustian reported from Natchitoches, Louisiana, Goodman from Miami.

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Middle East crisis: Blinken calls for calm as Iran official says no plan for immediate retaliation to reported Israeli missile strike – as it happened

This live blog is now closed. For the latest on the Middle East crisis, you can read our coverage here .

• 5d ago This day so far
• 5d ago Afternoon summary
• 5d ago EU imposes sanctions on four Israeli settlers
• 5d ago US sanctions on entities that raised funds for West Bank settlers
• 5d ago Man arrested in Paris after police cordon off Iranian consulate due to reported bomb threat
• 5d ago Blinken says conversations on Rafah at senior levels with Israel continue
• 5d ago Israeli 'aggression' on Iran is an escalation against the region, Hamas official says
• 5d ago Blinken: Hamas standing in the way of a Gaza ceasefire
• 5d ago Blinken: G7 is 'committed to de-escalating'
• 5d ago Israel gave US last-minute warning about drone attack on Iran, Italian foreign minister says
• 5d ago Israel's far-right national security minister criticised for online post about Israel and Iran
• 6d ago EU Commission president calls on Israel and Iran to refrain from escalation
• 6d ago US vetoes Palestinian request for full UN membership
• 6d ago No plan for immediate retaliation against Israel, senior Iranian official says
• 6d ago Summary of the day so far
• 6d ago IAEA says no damage to Iran's nuclear sites
• 6d ago Summary so far
• 6d ago US officials confirm Israel carried out operation against Iran
• 6d ago Nuclear sites unharmed - Iran state TV
• 6d ago Iran fires defence batteries - state-run IRNA news agency
• 6d ago Iran suspends flights over several cities
• 6d ago Welcome and opening summary

Blinken: G7 is 'committed to de-escalating'

Antony Blinken , the US secretary of state, addressed the press today at the conclusion of the G7 meeting of foreign ministers in Capri , Italy .

On behalf of the G7, he condemned Iran ’s cruise missile and drone attack on Israel that prompted an airstrike today on Isfahan , that the US says it has confirmed was carried out by Israel . It hasn not yet been confirmed by Israel or Iran.

“We’re committed to Israel’s security,” Blinken said. “We’re also committed to de-escalating.”

He noted that despite the tensions with Israel and Iran , “we remain intensely focused on Gaza”.

This day so far

It is currently 7pm in Gaza , 8pm in Tel Aviv, and 8.30pm in Tehran.

Here is a summary of what has happened so far:

the Iranian foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, said that drones reportedly fired by Israel at the Iranian city of Isfahan did not cause “any damage or casualties”, as reported by Iranian media.

The US Congress is pushing forward a $95m national security package that would provide additional aid to Israel following Israel’s reported airstrike in Iran. The bill overcame a massive hurdle with the support of Democrats in the House of Representatives. If approved this weekend, it will be sent to the Senate.

A spokesperson for the Iranian foreign ministry denounced the US’s veto of a Palestinian request to the UN security council, blocking the world body’s recognition of a Palestinian state. Iranian diplomat Nasser Kanani called the veto “irresponsible” and “unconstructive”.

Thank you for reading the latest updates on the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

Drones reportedly fired by Israel at the city of Isfahan in Iran caused no damage or casualties, said the Iranian foreign minister, Reuters reported.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian gave remarks on the drone attack while speaking with envoys of Muslim nations in New York.

“The Zionist regime’s media supporters, in a desperate effort, tried to make victory out of their defeat, while the downed mini-drones have not caused any damage or casualties,” Amirabdollahian said, according to Iranian media.

Here is an analysis of what Israel’s latest attack on Iran means for the political survival of the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu , from the Guardian’s Bethan McKernan.

In the aftermath of Iran’s unprecedented salvo of missiles and drones fired directly at Israel at the weekend, Benny Gantz, a centrist member of the Israeli war cabinet, said that the country would respond “in the place, time and manner it chooses”. On Friday morning, that turned out to be explosions in the central Iranian city of Isfahan . Although no Israeli official has claimed responsibility for what seem to have been drone strikes on a military installation , Tehran, which retaliated after an airstrike on its consulate in Damascus, has downplayed the incident. The limited response may have for now staved off the threat of regional war. Unclaimed drone attacks on a military site in Isfahan are unlikely to satisfy supporters or critics of Israel’s longtime leader, Benjamin Netanyahu , or restore the level of deterrence Israel enjoyed in the region before the Hamas attack of 7 October. “Netanyahu, who has been threatening to attack Iran for 20 years, has realised a dream, or at least part thereof. The question is what about us, the people,” defence analyst and columnist for the leftwing Israeli daily Haaretz, Amos Harel, wrote on Friday. Meanwhile, Netanyahu ally and the far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, reacted with just one word – “Feeble!” – in a post on X, formerly Twitter. The Israeli prime minister may have achieved several short-term wins here. The muted Iranian reaction has soothed an anxious Israeli public before the week-long Passover holiday. Israel has also struck while it still has international diplomatic support for such an action, before the sense of urgency wanes and the world’s focus returns to the war in Gaza and its deepening famine …

Read the full article here .

A spokesperson for the foreign affairs ministry of Iran condemned the US’s veto to block full United Nations membership for Palestine, calling the decision “irresponsible”, AFP reported.

The US vetoed the Palestinian request to the UN security council, blocking the world body’s recognition of a Palestinian state.

The US was the only country to oppose the request on the 15-member security council. Twelve nations were in favor. The UK and Switzerland abstained.

“Washington’s action exposed the fraudulent nature of US foreign policy and its isolated position,” Iranian diplomat Nasser Kanani said.

Kanani added that Washington’s veto was “irresponsible” and “unconstructive”.

The US Congress is pushing forward a $95bn national security package that would provide additional aid to Israel following Israel’s airstrike in Iran.

The bill was moved forward in the House of Representatives following a critical procedural vote, the Associated Press reported. The legislation would also provide humanitarian support to Taiwan and Ukraine.

Aid for the international conflict between Russia and Ukraine has received faltering support from far-right conservatives, threatening the bill’s passage.

With the latest procedural obstacle cleared, the bill could be approved by the House this weekend and then sent to the Senate.

Afternoon summary

It has gone 5pm in Gaza , 6pm in Tel Aviv and 6.30pm in Tehran. Here is a summary of the day’s events so far:

Speaking publicly at the G7 meeting in Capri, the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, declined to elaborate further on the reported Israeli attack on Iran, except to say his country had not been involved. “I’m not going to speak to that except to say that the United States has not been involved in any offensive operations,” Blinken said.

Blinken said while the Gy was “committed” to Israel’s security, “we’re also committed to de-escalating ”. “What the G7 is focused on, and it’s reflected in our statement and in our conversation, is our work to de-escalate tensions, to de-escalate from any potential conflict,” he said. “You saw Israel on the receiving end of an unprecedented attack, but our focus has been on, of course, making sure that Israel can effectively defend itself, but also de-escalating tensions and avoiding conflict. That remains our focus.”

At a separate news conference moments before Blinken, Italy’s foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, said the US was “informed at the last minute” but did not elaborate.

Air defence systems over several Iranian cities were activated, state media reported , after the country’s official broadcaster said explosions were heard near the city of Isfahan , home to sites associated with Iran’s nuclear program, including its underground Natanz enrichment site.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says there is no damage to Iran’s nuclear sites. In a post on X, the agency said it continues to monitor the situation very closely and calls for extreme restraint from all sides, stressing that “nuclear facilities should never be a target in military conflicts”.

French police arrested a man who had threatened to blow himself up at Iran’s consulate in Paris on Friday afternoon. A police source told Reuters that the man was seen at about 11am (9am GMT) entering the consulate, carrying what appeared to be a grenade and explosive vest. The man exited the consulate and was not actually carrying explosives, the source said.

Four Israeli extremist settlers in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem have been today sanctioned by the EU along with two entities over alleged “serious human rights abuses against Palestinians”.

The US also added to its settler-related sanctions today by imposing sanctions on two entities that the US said helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for two violent extremists in the West Bank already targeted with US sanctions.

The Turkish foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, on Friday spoke by phone to his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amirabdollahian, at Iran’s request to discuss regional developments , a Turkish diplomatic source told Reuters. The source did not provide further details.

German airline group Lufthansa has suspended flights to Israel and Iraq until early Saturday. Lufthansa subsidiary Austrian Airlines also decided as a “precautionary measure” to suspend flights to Jordan’s capital Amman, as well as Erbil and Tel Aviv on Friday “to comprehensively reassess the security situation”. Both Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines had already suspended their flights to and from Tehran up until the end of the month.

Polish national airline LOT canceled flights on Friday to Tel Aviv and Beirut due to the unstable situation in the region, a spokesperson was quoted as saying by state news agency PAP.

Here’s a look at the area targeted last night in what the US has confirmed as an Israeli military operation in Iran:

EU imposes sanctions on four Israeli settlers

The individuals on the list are: Neria Ben Pazi , 31. According to the EU’s official journal, the reason for the listing was that Ben Pazi “established four of the most violent outposts in the West Bank in 2019”. He was “one of the main perpetrators of the forced displacement of a Bedouin community of Wadi Seeq near Ramalah. His actions “have been likened to torture”, the official journal said, including an attack on 12 October last year in which Palestinians were “severely beaten, handcuffed and photographed in their underwear” as well as “urinated on”.

Another Israeli, Yinon Levi , 32, is accused of “multiple violent acts” including storming and damaging houses of Palestinian families and setting dogs on farmers.

Also on the list is Meir Mordechai Ettinger , 33, “considered a leading figure of the Hilltop Youth, a radical youth group consisting of members known for violent acts against Palestinians and their villages in the West Bank.

According to the official journal he was involved in a deadly arson attack in 2015, that killed two parents and their 18-month-old baby, for which he was detained without charge that same year.

Another member of the group, Names as Elisha Yered , born in 2001, was reported to engage in settler violence through so-called “price tag attacks” including “physical and psychosocial harassment, beatings, murder and demolition of property, against Palestinians is of a systematic nature”.

The journal says he was “part of a group of armed settlers” involved in an attack last year near Ramallah which led to the death of the 19-year-old Palestinian Qusai Jammal Mi’tan and wounded several other Palestinians”.

One of the two entities named is Lehava , which the EU’s official journal describes as a “radical right-wing Jewist supremacist group” which “uses violence and incites violence against Palestinians, Christians and Messianic Jews”. According to the journal, Lehava “organises violent protests against Jewish Muslim weddings and the LGBQTi community”.

The other entity is named as Hilltop Youth , described by the journal as “a radical group consisting of members known for violent acts against Palestinians and their villages in the West Bank”.

The judgment can be read here: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202401172

US sanctions on entities that raised funds for West Bank settlers

The US treasury department announced today that the US is imposing sanctions on Mount Hebron Fund and Shlom Asiraich – two entities that the US said helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for two violent extremists in the West Bank already targeted with US sanctions.

Mount Hebron Fund launched an online fundraising campaign that raised $140,000 for settler Yinon Levi after he was sanctioned in February for leading a group of settlers that assaulted Palestinian and Bedouin civilians, burned their fields and destroyed their property, the Treasury said.

Shlom Asiraich raised $31,000 for David Chai Chasdai , who the US said had initiated and led a riot that included setting vehicles and buildings on fire and causing damage to property in Huwara , resulting in the death of a Palestinian civilian.

“Mount Hebron Fund and Shlom Asiraich generated tens of thousands of dollars for extremists responsible for destroying property, assaulting civilians, and violence against Palestinians,” said Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo. “Such acts by these organizations undermine the peace, security, and stability of the West Bank. We will continue to use our tools to hold those responsible accountable.”

The US has previously sanctioned five settlers and two unauthorized outposts in the West Bank.

At least 34,012 Palestinians have been killed and 76,833 others have been injured by Israel ’s military offensive since the 7 October, Gaza ’s health ministry said on Friday.

The Hama s-run health ministry does not distinguish between combatants and non-combatants.

Man arrested in Paris after police cordon off Iranian consulate due to reported bomb threat

French police arrested a man who had threatened to blow himself up at Iran’s consulate in Paris , police said, Reuters reported.

A police source had told Reuters the man was seen at about 11 am (0900 GMT) entering the consulate, carrying what appeared to be a grenade and explosive vest.

The man exited the consulate and was not actually carrying explosives, a police source said.

You can follow more updates from Lili Bayer in the Europe live blog here:

Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan on Friday spoke by phone to his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian at Iran ’s request to discuss regional developments, a Turkish diplomatic source told Reuters.

The source did not provide further details.

Blinken says conversations on Rafah at senior levels with Israel continue

Further to the comments by Blinken already reported on the blog, there are some more lines from Reuters on what the US secretary of state said on the topic of Gaza .

At a press conference on Friday after a gathering of G7 foreign ministers on the southern Italian island of Capri , Blinken told reporters “we cannot support a major military operation in Rafah”. He said conversations on Rafah , in the southern Gaza Strip , continue at senior levels with Israel .

Blinken said he believed that “Israel’s objectives can be achieved” without a Rafah offensive. He added: “We are committed to achieving a Palestinian state with necessary guarantees for Israel.”

Qatar expressed regret on Friday over the failure of the UN security council to adopt a draft resolution recognising a Palestinian state through full membership of the UN (see 08:14 BST ), according to Reuters.

The United Arab Emirates said on Friday that granting Palestinians full membership in the UNwould be “an important step to boost peace efforts in the region”, the state-run WAM news agency reported.

German airline group Lufthansa has suspended flights to Israel and Iraq until early Saturday.

Services by airlines of the group to Tel Aviv in Israel and Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan were suspended until 5am GMT due to the “current situation”, a spokesperson told AFP.

Lufthansa subsidiary Austrian Airlines also decided as a “precautionary measure” to suspend flights to Jordan ’s capital Amman , as well as Erbil and Tel Aviv on Friday “to comprehensively reassess the security situation”.

“Austrian Airlines continuously monitors and assesses the security situation in the Middle East and is in close contact with the authorities,” Austrian Airlines said in a statement sent to AFP.

Both Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines had already suspended their flights to and from Tehran up until the end of the month.

“Today’s flight 151/152 to Israel from Warsaw and to Beirut 143/144 have been cancelled,” Krzysztof Moczulski told PAP, according to a Reuters report. Moczulski said decisions about future flights would be made on an ongoing basis.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken repeatedly declined to confirm a reported Israeli attack on Iran on Friday, saying Washington has not been involved in any offensive operations and it was committed to de-escalating tensions in the region, reports Reuters.

“I’m not going to speak to that except to say that the United States has not been involved in any offensive operations,” Blinken said at a news conference capping a gathering of G7 foreign ministers on the southern Italian island of Capri . According to Reuters reporters, the top US diplomat kept repeating the same response, almost verbatim, when he was asked about the issue several times at the news conference.

At a separate news conference moments before Blinken, Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani said the US was “informed at the last minute” but did not elaborate (see 11:58 BST ).

Explosions echoed over the Iranian city of Isfahan in the early hours of Friday in what sources described as an Israeli attack, say Reuters, but Tehran played down the incident and indicated it had no plans for retaliation – a response that appeared gauged towards averting region-wide war.

Israel said nothing about the incident. It had said for days it was planning to retaliate against Iran for Saturday’s strikes, the first direct attack on Israel by Iran in decades of shadow war waged by proxies which has escalated throughout the Middle East .

United Nations secretary general António Guterres said on Friday that “it is high time to stop the dangerous cycle of retaliation in the Middle East,” his spokesperson said in a statement.

“The secretary general condemns any act of retaliation and appeals to the international community to work together to prevent any further development that could lead to devastating consequences for the entire region and beyond,” Stéphane Dujarric said, accroding to Reuters.

Iran has been trying to reassure people that the country did not face a major threat after airstrikes were carried out in the Isfahan province on Friday.

A news anchor said everything was “back to normal” in a report aired on Press TV, the Iranian state broadcaster’s English-language outlet.

In another clip, said to be filmed in Isfahan and published by Iranian media, an unidentified person is heard saying there had been no damage to the area.

Officials in Washington said Israeli forces were carrying out military operations against Iran but did not describe the character or scale of those operations. Israel and Iran are yet to confirm the source of the strikes.

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