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Best Ways to Visit Israel in 2022

Volunteer or Tour? How to Travel to Israel in 2022

So you want to come to Israel, but you’re not sure what kind of trip is right for you? Maybe it’s your first time, and everyone says that you should come on a 10 day tour. Maybe you’ve been on a tour before, and you’re ready for something different. 

Either way, you want to experience Israel differently. You don’t just want to run where Jesus walked, and go home with a t-shirt that says, “My sister/brother went to Israel and all I got was this lousy t-shirt.” You want to go deeper. Meet the locals. Visit off-the-beaten track places. Experience your Bible come to life. After all, this is the Holy Land, and the birthplace of your faith!

Most tours to Israel don’t provide an experience that takes you past the big cities or tourist sites. Don’t get me wrong. Tours can be amazing, and a great way to visit Israel, especially if it’s your first time. If you don’t consider yourself a tourist however, you might want to look deeper. 

How about a volunteer opportunity? This could be a great option, but it also comes with some questions. What kind of volunteer opportunities are there in Israel? How do I know if I’m choosing the right one? 

In this article, we’ll break down some of the best ways to sign up for a volunteer program in Israel, as well as how you can get involved with our work.

DISCLAIMER: we’re definitely biased towards the volunteer programs that we offer.  

Why Volunteering is One of the Best Ways to Visit Israel in 2022

If you’ve ever volunteered for a charitable cause, you know the secret. There is great fulfillment and joy to be found while serving our fellow man. Oftentimes, we receive far more than what we could ever give. Jesus said that He came to serve and not to be served. As believers, we should strive to emulate our Messiah’s mission. 

There are many great causes that you can volunteer with in Israel. You can sign up to care for  Holocaust survivors ,  help out in a soup kitchen ,  volunteer with the IDF , or even pick up garbage from Israel’s busy city streets! All of these are incredible causes, and I would recommend any one of them as a great volunteer opportunity. 

There are volunteer programs however, that provide something that none of the above experiences do. HaYovel has been bringing volunteers to serve small Jewish farmers in Israel’s biblical heartland (AKA – West Bank) for the past eighteen years. Not only does this give you a unique opportunity to get your hands dirty in Israel’s prophetic soil, but it also provides an experience like none other – meeting the local Israeli people and experiencing Israel’s biblical heartland. 

Don’t Miss Israel’s Biblical Heartland When You Visit Israel

Most of the world has heard about the “West Bank” or the “Occupied Territories.” Mainstream media has been obsessed with demonizing the Jewish people who choose to live and settle in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria since the 1970s. The Israel-haters have run a very successful propaganda campaign and would love for you to believe things like: 

• Jews who live in the West Bank have horns on their heads. 
• Jewish settlements are an obstacle to peace in the middle east. 
• The IDF routinely oppresses Palestinians who live in the West Bank. 
• Israel illegally occupies Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria. 
• Settlements are illegal under international law. 

None of these bullet points are true, but we don’t have the time nor space to go into that in this article. If you’re interested in some hard-core proof that soundly debunks these myths, visit   TheIsraelGuys.com . 

The actual reality is that Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria make up a region of what the world likes to call the West Bank. Samaria is north of Jerusalem, and Judea is south of Jerusalem. Technically, East Jerusalem (including the Old City), is included in the “West Bank” because Jordan occupied it during their nineteen year illegal occupation from 1948-1967.

The real name for this region is the “biblical heartland.” That is because more than 80% of our Bible was either written, or occurred in these areas. It’s also Israel’s central mountain region, and home to some of the country’s most incredible agriculture and beautiful towns. Vineyards and olive orchards dot the mountainous landscape. Wineries, some of which have won awards in competitions that included the best of old world wine regions, are sprinkled throughout Judea and Samaria. Archaeology is here, the oldest of which is more than 4,000 years old, dating back to Abraham. 

The reality is that the real heartland of Israel is a vastly different place than what the media would have you believe. Instead of being a war-torn wild West Bank where crazy settlers live and Israel’s military oppresses the Palestinians, it is actually a hidden jewel in Israel’s landscape. And it is a place that you should most certainly visit or come to volunteer. 

The volunteer programs that we host in Israel’s heartland are based around helping small, Jewish farmers. 

Visit Israel and Make a Difference Through Farm Volunteer Programs

Our volunteer programs mostly serve small, Jewish farmers in Judea and Samaria, Israel’s heartland. We help vineyard owners prune, plant, and harvest their grapes. We also plant trees in partnership with farmers and Jewish communities to help restore Israel’s barren and rocky landscape. Over the years, we’ve planted nearly 40,000 trees and vines in Israel’s biblical heartland. 

Everyone who has come and put their fingers in Israel’s prophetic soil has experienced a life-changing phenomenon. Those who have harvested grapes, pruned branches from vines, or placed a new sapling in Israel’s rocky soil have come away with an unforgettable story. Instead of only coming to Israel to observe what God is doing here, they have become a partner in God’s beautiful story of redemption. Instead of just seeing it with their eyes, they have gotten involved. I’ve heard it likened to giving up your seat in the audience to take your place on the main stage. 

It may seem simple. Come to Israel and  participate in a volunteer program  where you harvest grapes, plant trees, or prune vineyards. 

The reality of what is taking place, however, is deeper and more significant than any of us could ever imagine. Hundreds of prophecies that were written thousands of years ago in the Bible are now coming to pass right before our very eyes. And do you know what many of those prophecies speak about? They speak about agriculture, the mountains of Israel (Judea and Samaria), and the nations coming to participate. 

That means that the prophets of old literally predicted that people just like you would come and stand with the Jewish people in the biblical heartland. They also predicted that Israel’s mountains would one day burst back to life after a period of desolation. 

Ready for a Life-Changing Trip to Israel?

Tours are great. Personal trips to Israel can be great. We believe the secret ingredients for a truly life-changing experience when traveling to Israel, however, are these:

• Serve the land and people through a volunteer program.
• Make sure to include Israel’s biblical heartland (where more than 80% of our Bible was written or took place).
• Be a part of biblical prophecy coming to life in Israel today. 

If this sounds like something you’d like to be a part of, check out the programs that we offer at  ServeIsrael.com/Volunteer . You can come for 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 6 weeks or even longer! Our volunteer programs are for everyone: men, women, young and old. Families are especially welcome! Since 2004, we’ve hosted more than 3,000 Christian volunteers from more than 30 countries to serve more than 50 small farmers all throughout Judea and Samaria. Most of them have gone home to report life-changing experiences. You don’t have to take our word for it though. Make sure to read and watch their real stories on our website. 

You too can go past the typical tour bus experience, get off the beaten track, and watch your faith come alive as you join a volunteer program in Israel’s biblical heartland. 

Visit  ServeIsrael.com/Volunteer  to learn more today. 

Luke Hilton

Originally from Virginia Beach, VA, Luke discovered his passion for Israel at age of 16. Since then, he's shared the story of Israel's restoration across the globe through speaking tours, films, and articles, inspiring Christian Zionists to stand in support of Israel.

Luke is based out of Israel, serves as Director of Marketing for HaYovel and is an author and show host for The Israel Guys.

Wat zou ik eventueel nog kunnen betekenen voor het land Israël 🇮🇱 ik ben een gepensioneerde vrachtwagen chauffeur van 72 jaar oud

You can make a great difference for Israel by coming on a volunteer trip and showing your support in a tangible way. We regularly have volunteers join us who are in their 70s. Don’t let your age hold you back from coming to Israel and making an impact for God’s Kingdom! Although we are working outdoors in the sunshine for several hours at a time, the work is not very strenuous and everyone can work at their own pace, taking breaks when needed.

We do encourage those who are coming to prepare themselves physically by spending time outside, taking walks, and getting some exercise in the weeks leading up to their Israel trip. If you have certain medical conditions, we may ask you to send us a letter from your doctor giving you permission to travel internationally.

If you’re interested, you can watch this encouraging video from Sharril Sherwood, one of our elder volunteers who came to Israel with us when she was 77: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_8Lujog_18

I’m an elderly- traveling to Israel for two weeks – reach Tel Aviv on 18 August returning to Singapore on 31/8/22

I’m interested in this volunteer program What do you recommend me in this area Thanks for sharing Anna

Hi Anna, That’s wonderful that you’re coming to Israel this summer! Our next volunteer program starts on September 6, so it doesn’t look like it lines up with your current travel dates. You can find details and apply for any of our future volunteer programs at https://serveisrael.com/calendar

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Shalom - meaning peace

Welcome to Israel—a land of contrasts and wonderful surprises. Join hundreds of years of voyagers who have flocked to this dynamic country. Ancient and modern, secular and sacred, Israel beckons visitors with its magnificent sites, holy places and warm Mediterranean climate. Here, age-old sacred shrines exist alongside futuristic skyscrapers and posh resorts with swaying palms alongside desert wasteland. No matter where you look, the legendary stories of mankind’s collective history come to life in this magnificent place.

Destination Must-See's

Dome of the Rock:

This structure dominates the old city. It is the shrine for Islam’s third most holy site. It covers a black stone in the mountain where Muhammad is said to have ascended to heaven. It was the first dome shrine to be built and is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. It’s made of wood with marble slabs inside and covered with Persian tiles on the outside.

Known in the bible as Sea of the Arabah or Salt Sea, it gets its name from the high mineral content preventing anything from living in it. The lowest point of dry land on earth is the shoreline of the Dead Sea. Nearly 7 million tons of water evaporate from it every day, but the minerals remain.

Dead Sea Scrolls:

The first seven of many Dead Sea Scrolls were found by 3 brothers while gathering their goats high in the mountains. The brothers were not aware of what they found and sold the scripts. Years later, all scripts made their way to one location where the full content was finally revealed. See the Shrine of the Book at the Israel Museum to view the scrolls on display.

This is the birth place of Jesus. Christians all over the world consider this a holy site, but it is also significant to Jews because it is the burial place of the matriarch Rachel and birth place of King David. Manger Square is the main focus during Christmas celebrations three times a year.

Destination Must-Do's

Explore Jerusalem:

This historic location plays a major part in the 3 monotheistic religions. The heart of Jerusalem is in the Old City. This section is surrounded by a wall divided into 4 quarters: Armenian, Christian, Jewish and Muslim. Inside are important holy sites of the 3 major religions. Jerusalem also has a New City as well that still captures the original charm of the city.

Sea of Galilee:

This is a mountainous region in Israel’s north that is divided into two parts. It is densely populated and has the largest variety of ethnic communities in Israel. Its natural beauty and landscapes make it a main tourist destination. However, it is also popular for its national antiquities parks, farming communities, nature reserves, Jewish holy sites, Christian holy sites, and the Jordan River. One of the best ways to experience Galilee is to take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.

Visit the Western Wall:

Located in Jerusalem's Old City, the Western Wall is one of the holiest Jewish sites in Israel. Also known as the Wailing Wall or the Kotel, this sacred place is visited by millions of pilgrims each year so that they may pray and reflect. It is the only intact remnants of the Second Temple of Jerusalem and dates back to 2nd century BCE.

Enjoy Tel Aviv:

Tel Aviv is Israel’s economic and cultural center and it’s referred to as the “city that never stops.” It is the country’s first modern Jewish city in Israel, but it still holds quite a bit of history. Visitors can find several important Christian sites there, but it’s also teeming with restaurants, shops, old courtyards, fishing ports and night clubs that attract tourists from all over.

Expert Advice

As you prepare to explore Israel, enjoy a casual dress style and be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes. Please dress conservatively when visiting holy sites throughout the country; shorts and sleeveless shirts are not permitted when visiting churches and other religious sites.

You’re in for a treat as you explore the many delicious flavors of Israel. Israeli food is based off Middle Eastern and Turkish cuisine. Common ingredients include lentils, nuts, raw vegetables, lamb and beef. Common beverages include mint tea, mint lemonade, egg cream and fruit shakes. Coffee lovers will enjoy Israel's Turkish style cup of java with its sweet notes of cardamom and caramel.

In Israel, religious items make popular souvenirs; these are not too hard to find in the "Holy Land." Many travelers love to collect beautiful glass-made products, ceramics and silver in Israel. Olive wood carvings are extremely popular here. For those who love beautiful jewels and jewelry, Israel is one of the world's leading diamond manufacturing and trading centers.

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How to Visit to Israel Like a Pro: 20 Essential Travel Tips

Last Modified: April 8, 2024 //  by  Anda //   32 Comments

Israel is a very controversial country, guaranteed to raise tensions and emotions, regardless of your political views or religious convictions. War and political turmoil have been the norm here for thousands of years, so traveling to Israel can be a little intimidating. But if you know what to expect, you’ll have a great experience when visiting Israel. In this post I will give you some travel tips that will help you better understand Israel and make the most of your visit here.

Table of Contents

1. Getting acquainted with Israel’s history really helps

2. food is really good, 3. everything in israel is expensive, 4. prices are negotiable, 5. renting a car vs. using public transportation, 6. tipping is not mandatory, but is expected, 7. english is spoken almost everywhere, 8. israel is really small, 9. everything closes down on shabbath, 10. religious holidays are very strictly observed, 11. jerusalem is dead on weekends, 12. there is an obvious military presence, 13. getting in and out of israel is a lengthy process, 14. what’s the best time to travel to israel, 15. what to pack for israel, 16. is it safe to travel to israel, 17. what plugs to pack for israel, 18. is wifi widely available in israel.

• 19. Are drones allowed in Israel?

20. What time zone is Israel on?

Essential travel tips for israel.

If this is your first time in Israel you probably have many questions on your mind. So did I when I started planning our trip. And although I tried to inform myself the best that I could, there were still a few things that caught me by surprise when I arrived. Therefore I decided to put together a list of tips and useful information for traveling to Israel.

Planning to visit Jordan while you are in Israel? Read these useful travel tips for traveling to Jordan .

This guide will cover some of the most common questions asked before traveling to Israel. Like what to expect, when is the best time to go, or what costs are involved. So here is what every visitor should know before going to Israel.

One of the biggest travel mistakes people make when visiting other countries is not getting themselves acquainted with the local history. Of all the travel tips that I’m about to give you, this is perhaps the most important one: learn a little about Israel’s history!

The archeological sights in Israel are not particularly impressive, unless of course you know what you are looking at. Unlike the pyramids of Egypt that will impress regardless of how much you know about them, in Israel you’ll encounter places infused with religious and historical meaning that will make no sense to you unless you know their history.

Israel’s history goes back to ancient times and much of what we know about it comes from the Hebrew Bible. According to it, Israel’s origin starts with Abraham, who is considered the father of both Judaism (through his son Isaac) and Islam (through his son, Ishmael).

Although the Land of Israel was occupied by many nations over the centuries, the Jewish people have always been a physical, cultural, and religious presence here.

Food in Israel is extremely diverse and generally very good. A well known favorite is falafel – small fried balls of mashed chickpeas, usually served with pita bread and humus.

There are many other Middle Eastern and Arabic dishes whose names I can’t even pronounce, but they are good. Kosher refers to the food that complies with the standards of the Jewish law (for instance, pork and shellfish are not kosher).

Do try all the food in Israel! The worse that can happen is that you won’t like it. For those less adventurous, there is also regular Western style food available. Alcohol is available at many hotels and restaurants, but is rather expensive.

Street food is safe to eat in Israel, but I would stat away from fresh fruit and produce that I didn’t wash and prepare myself. Exercise caution even with cooked food. If it doesn’t look or smell right, don’t assume that’s how it’s supposed to be. Just don’t eat it.

Israel is an expensive country to visit. Almost everything here costs a lot: hotels, food, entrance fees, clothes, electronics, etc. Basically you pay more for the same commodity than you would pay in other parts of the world. Besides that, they have a huge sale tax of 17% that is applied to most goods and services. A trip to Israel will cost you a lot, so be prepared for that.

One thing I noticed is that speaking English will make prices go a little higher that they actually are.

You can exchange money almost everywhere in Israel. The exchange rate for the US Dollar is currently around 3.5 – 3.7 Israeli Shekel, but of course this will vary according to the time of your travel.

Bartering I one of the most important tips for people who travel to Israel. Learning to bargain will save you not only money, but also a lot of frustration. Exactly like in Istanbul , where you don’t walk into the Grand Bazaar and pay the first price you are asked to pay, in Israel almost everything is negotiable.

Israeli people expect to get a discount on all major purchases, so the listed price is calculated accordingly. Except for cars, almost everything else is open to negotiation. That’s counterintuitive if you are coming from the USA, where you can only negotiate the car or the real estate prices.

If you are not an expert driver with nerves of steel, don’t drive in Israel. Although roads are in good condition, getting in and out of any city is a nightmare! Leave alone driving in places like Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, or Haifa! Road signs are bad and traffic if always heavy.

Using planning public transportation on the other hand works really well. Bus schedules are set up very conveniently and the train system is simple and easy to use. It’s hard to get lost.

You’ll most like have to use Taxis in some situations, so be prepared to negotiate the price before you hop on the cab.

Hitchhiking is definitely not recommended in Israel, especially in the current political situation.

Tipping in Israel is discretionary but expected, similar to most of the Western world. Unlike in the USA, where you are expected to tip between 15% – 20%, in Israel the tip is between 10 -15%. The minimum is at least 10%, the average is 12% and maximum is 15% (for exceptional service).

Waiters and bartenders get a relatively low salary, so the majority of their earnings coming from tips. Tips are usually left in cash not on card, so it is useful to carry some small change with you.

Tipping the taxi drivers, hotel personnel and other people in the travel industry is not usually expected. However, they will not mind a tip if you decide to be generous.

Unlike in Morocco , where English is rarely spoken, in Israel is widely spoken. The country’s official language is Hebrew, but you’ll also hear Arabic, English, Russian and some other languages.

Although English doesn’t have an official status, most Israelis can speak it fairly well as it’s a required second language in schools. As such, you’ll be able to communicate in English almost anywhere you go. However, learning a few Hebrew words will put you ahead of the game in Israel.

• Shalom  – is used as a salutation, but it actually means peace
• Bevakasha  – please
• Slicha  – sorry/excuse me
• Boker Tov – good morning
• Erev Tov – good evening
• Mazel Tove – congratulations/good luck
• Toda/Toda Raba  – thank you/thank you very much
• Lehitra’ot – good bye/see you later

It’s surprising to discover how small Israel really is. The total area of the State of Israel is 22,145 square kilometers (8,630 square miles), just slightly bigger than the state of New Jersey. Getting from one end of the country to the other doesn’t take long, which means it’s very easy to take day trips. You can use either Jerusalem or Tel Aviv as a base for exploring the important sights in Israel.

If you are not completely ignorant about the Jewish religion, you’ve probably heard about Shabbath before. Sabbath (or Shabbath ) is Judaism’s most distinctive practice – a 25-hour celebration that starts at sundown on Friday and ends after sundown on Saturday.

In Israel Shabbat is more than just a day off from labor. It’s a unique and special time of physical respite meant to be spent with family and loved ones or for worship, if you are a religious person.

Wherever you go when you travel in Israel, make sure you get there before 4 o’clock on Friday. On Shabbat all public services are closed (except for emergency ones). There are no train and no busses working.

Traveling in Israel during any of the Jewish holidays can be a very frustrating experience for a tourist. Especially for those of us living in America, who became so accustomed to 24 hour open stores!

In Israel religious holidays are very strictly observed. Most places close down, including restaurants, cafés and public transportation. On Yom Kippur (the Hebrew Day of Atonement) everything closes down. Even Ben Gurion International Airport! No one drives on that day, and the roads are completely empty. So be prepared to do nothing on this day if you are in Israel.

If you are not religious and you are a tourist for which every single day counts, don’t stay (or travel to) Jerusalem on weekends. From Friday night to Saturday night everything closes down in Jerusalem, so there is not much you can do here.

Instead, plan to go to a more secular place like Tel Aviv or to Haifa, where everything stays open on weekends.

You are going to be seeing a lot of armed soldiers while visiting Israel, so don’t be alarmed. The presence of barbed wire and armed soldiers is nothing new in this country that has been in political turmoil for so long.

Despite the many frictions in the region, Israel is a pretty safe country to visit and the weapons you see are there for defensive purposes.

Not all the soldiers you’ll come across are on active duty however. Some are young people doing their military service. Army service is mandatory in Israel. Both girls and boys are drafted at 18 and serve a minimum of two years.

Border control is way lengthier and more thorough in Israel than in any other countries we visited so far. You’ll need to get an Israeli passport stamp , so the best advice I can give you is to arm yourself with patience when traveling to Israel.

When entering Israel you have to answer a series of routine questions (why are you there, how long will you stay, etc. etc. If you don’t look suspicious the process will be very smooth. But if you have passport stamps from certain Muslim countries (such as Iran, Lebanon, or Pakistan), you’ll have to go through a special interrogation process that will take quite a while.

Israel no longer stamps your passport on arrival, which is good news if you plan to visit other countries in the Middle East for which an Israeli visa may be a problem. Instead, you’ll get your visa on a piece of paper which you need to keep this safe, as you’ll need it for your departure.

You may expect an even lengthier process as you are leaving Israel, so plan to be at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. At the Security Check they will ask you to open your bag of electronics and they will check each and every one of them.

Practical Travel Tips for Israel

Deciding when to go to Israel depends in large part to what you are interested in doing while you are there. While there is no wright or wrong time to go, there are however a couple of things that you need to consider when planning your trip: climate and Jewish holidays .

There are basically two seasons in Israel: summer (April to late October) and winter (November to March). Summers are hot and humid in Israel, bur rain free. Winter starts when it gets from cool to cold and it begins raining). Generally it doesn’t snow in Israel, except for the mountain areas in the Golan Heights.

Another important tip to consider when you travel to Israel are the Jewish holidays. In Israel there are two calendars: the Gregorian calendar and the Jewish calendar, but most religious holidays are based on the Jewish calendar.

Even though it’s interesting to be in Israel during some of these holidays, you’ll have to remember everything closes down during that time: public transportation, banks, stores, etc. Also, hotel prices will be much higher.

When traveling to Israel it’s important to be conscious of what you wear. While places like Tel Aviv, Jaffa, or Haifa are more open-minded and fashion-forward, in cities like Jerusalem modest clothing is recommended. Don’t bring tank tops, shorts or anything above the knees.

With very few exceptions, just about everything you would pack for Europe you can pack for Israel as well. As a general rule however, think convenience before fashion. Here are a few tips on what to pack when you travel to Israel:

• A scarf and a long-sleeve top, if you are a woman and plan on visiting the religious sites. Some sites may provide a cover up, but it’s better to have your own.
• Light-weight clothing is the best for summer months. We traveled here in mid October and the temperatures were above 30ºC and very humid.
• A light jacket and some sweaters for colder months.
• Comfortable shoes are a must in Israel, especially in Jerusalem.
• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion. You won’t be able to get by without them in this torrid sun.
• Wet wipes, small roll of toilet paper, hand sanitizer. Carry some in your pockets at all times. Many times the public toilets will not have toilet paper or soap.
• A small umbrella. Rain may come totally unexpected in Israel, but it usually stops just as sudden as it started.

Israel is overall a pretty safe country. However, considering its fast changing security situation, it’s important to exercise a some caution when traveling to certain areas, like East Jerusalem, or the West Bank cities of Bethlehem, Jericho and Ramallah.

If you want to visit the West Bank, I would advice hiring a cab from the Muslim quarter in Jerusalem, or booking an organized tour. Many cab drivers in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem will offer to take you to the West Bank, but I’m not sure how safe that is. If you are not in an organized group, you may have issues at the border.

One thing to be mindful in Israel is that authorities are always on high alert. So don’t leave your purse, camera, or anything else unattended. People will assume it’s a bomb and the bomb squad will come and search your purse and interrogate you.

The standard voltage in Israel is 220 volts and 50 Hz. The primary socket is type H (plugs with three pins in a triangular shape), so you’ll need a Power Adaptor Type H . In many hotels you will probably also find the C type sockets (two pins, like in Europe).

If you are coming from the U.S. you’ll need both a plug adaptor AND a voltage converter. Coming from Europe or other countries that have 220-230 voltage systems, you’ll only need a plug converter . Most modern devices such as mobile phones and laptops have a built-in converter, but it’s safer if you bring a voltage converter as well.

WiFi is widely available throughout Israel and is usually offered free of charge in most hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars. Some small hotels may charge for Internet though.

19. Are drones allowed in Israel ?

Technically, yes. However, there are very many restrictions and you’ll need a permit for using it. Also, like everywhere else in the world, you won’t be able to use your drone in places that are of interest.

If you want to bring your drone to Israel, my advice is to register with the Aero Club of Israel and get a permit. They will provide you with a map of the places where you can fly, and also give you with up to date information about their rules and regulations.

Israel is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Meantime (GMT). Daylight Saving time starts on the Friday before the 02 April. The move back to standard time can take place in late September/early October according to the Jewish calendar (between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.)

NOTE : As of June 30, 2023, NO Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination is required for tourists entering Israel.

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Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Reader Interactions

Sreenandhana

April 2, 2024 at 2:00 am

This is the page that impressed me the most that I have visited, the beautiful description and the page is made in a way that is useful to benefit others without being stingy.

April 2, 2024 at 1:59 am

Time spent on this page is never wasted. Very nice presentation, very nice pictures. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

Santhosh Raghavan

November 2, 2023 at 7:54 am

Dear friend Superb guide you covered almost everything a traveler should look into. I’ve been thinking lately that I would love to visit I am glad to read your blog about your travel experience very interesting thanks. Your personal experiences and vivid descriptions truly bring the city to life, making me feel like I’m right there with you on this incredible journey. Your blog is a wonderful source of inspiration for fellow adventurers looking to explore the magic of. Keep sharing your stories and insights – they’re a delight to read!

November 4, 2023 at 2:15 pm

Thank you for your kind words.

July 16, 2023 at 7:39 pm

You should really educate yourself. Lebanon is NOT a Muslim country per se. There are probably more Muslims in Israel! Further, there are 18 officially recognized religions in Lebanon, Judaism being one of them. Please alter your article to reflect correct information. kind regards Joe.

July 17, 2023 at 8:48 am

What else would you call a country where the great majority of the population is Muslim, Joe? According to the U.S. Department of State, 67.6 percent of Lebanon’s population is Muslim (31.9 percent Sunni, 31 percent Shia, and small percentages of Alawites and Ismailis). Also, Lebanon estimates that only 32.4 percent of the country’s population is Christian. It seems to me that I’m not the one who needs to be educated here, lol!

Michael Guide

April 12, 2023 at 4:49 am

I appreciate you providing this important travel advice for going to Israel. Israel is a contentious nation that has the potential to cause unrest and arouses strong feelings, but I concur that knowing its background is essential to getting the most out of your trip there. Israel is a nation with a long political history and a rich cultural and religious heritage.

I like how you stressed the significance of researching Israel’s history before traveling there. It’s an excellent approach to understanding the significance of the numerous historical and religious places you’ll see while traveling. Keep in mind that Israel is a nation that is ever-evolving and that its history is still being written.

Anyone organizing a first-time trip to Israel will find your guide to be a valuable resource. I appreciate that you addressed often-asked issues like what to anticipate when to go, and the associated expenditures. Before travelling, it’s always beneficial to have a thorough understanding of these concepts.

Overall, I believe that your guide is an excellent place for anyone thinking about visiting Israel to start. It offers useful information that will enable tourists to more fully comprehend and value the rich history and culture of the nation. I appreciate you sharing these helpful travel suggestions!

April 12, 2023 at 9:44 am

Thank you for your thorough review of my article, Michael. I hope to revisit Israel sometime next fall.

April 11, 2023 at 3:17 am

Superb, very useful information. Keep sharing

March 24, 2023 at 10:19 am

Beautiful write and I am fascinated by your blog as much as anyone else. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and ideas here with others. I want to come here again. Thanks kindly visit my Kerala tourism blog, please

July 24, 2022 at 12:30 pm

Ana Hernandez Well , it’s a petty you didn’t enjoy of such an exiting country. Israel semmed to me the extraordinary convergence between history and modernity. Vibrant. and modern Tel Aviv vs traditional fascinating Jerusalem, beautifull beaches beside amazing desserts. Good bargains in “zoco” vs most famous fashion brands and jewelry. Tasty. and delicious food from almost alll around the world. I’m really sorry you didn´t get all that . Hope next time you will be able to discover the real country.

July 24, 2022 at 2:57 pm

I have to confess that your comment left me wondering whether you read one post but commented on another. I can’t figure out what part of this guide made you think that I didn’t enjoy visiting Israel. I absolutely loved this country and tried to give some tips to those who didn’t see it yet. You seem quite confused about what you read.

Patrick Morgan

February 17, 2022 at 8:02 am

Do you have an Amazon link to the power adaptor and voltage regulator?

February 17, 2022 at 11:21 am

I sure do, Patrick. Here it is: Power Adaptor Type H .

Pranita Purohit

September 16, 2020 at 10:05 am

Like me, there are many who want to travel to Israel, but fear due to the political conditions and tussle with the neighboring states. However, after reading your post, the notion that all have about this country will be put to rest forever. You have presented a useful guide in the form of this post. Thank you very much.

September 16, 2020 at 11:33 am

I’m glad to hear that. Hopefully you’ll be able to visit Israel sometimes soon.

August 24, 2020 at 11:40 pm

This is the right guide for those who want to visit Israel. You certainly put a new spin on a subject that has been written about for decades. Great stuff, just excellent!

August 25, 2020 at 2:45 pm

Thanks, Melanie.

July 29, 2020 at 8:06 am

Thank you so much for your the tips.! We are going at the end of the summer, found a good flight deal! I know it will be hot, but I am from the Caribbean so that’s not a problem! can not wait to visit beautiful Israel and experience the culture. Your insights are super helpful to thank you! Have a question! What about at the airport at entering the country is no issue with the drone that I have to register? Do u know anything about it? Thanks

July 29, 2020 at 8:50 am

Hi John, The end of the summer will be hot indeed, but you’ll have a blast in Israel anyway. In regards to the drone, you won’t be able to use it much. My husband is a drone enthusiast too and did a lot of research for that before we traveled to the Middle East. He even registered with aeroclub.org.il, but still didn’t help much. Like everywhere else in the world, the places where it would be interesting to use it, you can’t. He used it secretly a couple of times (once in Acra and once in Tel Aviv) while I was keeping watch, but it’s stressful to use it like this. At any rate, my advice would be to check their website and register anyway. They will provide you with a map of the places where you can use it.

November 6, 2019 at 10:50 am

This is a comprehensive post , I wished I had before visiting Jerusalem. I found the prices to be really expensive , much to my surprise. I was also nervous when seeing so many armed guards around. It is still worth a visit and I would recommend anyone going to read this post!

November 5, 2019 at 8:46 am

Totally agree with you that these are really good to know. My parents are planning to go to Israel and I just shared this post with them.

Thank you for the heads up regarding the prices. I will ask them to adjust their budget accordingly. 🙂

Vanessa Ball

November 5, 2019 at 5:15 am

I’d love to visit Israel and had no idea that it was this small or that things were expensive to buy. The food looks super tasty, I love Arabic dishes. It’s handy to know about the religious holidays and weekends when planning your trip too. This is a really useful article to read before going to Israel.

November 5, 2019 at 3:28 am

I traveled to Israel when I was 15 years old as part of a school trip. We spent 2 months in the country and experienced many facets of it. Many people asked me if I felt safe and I personally never felt safer. Like you mentioned the entire population goes to the army they are all trained and the military is always around. This provided me with a sense of security. Love the tips to learn about history so you understand what you are looking at. And to use public transport – it is very organized and easy to use. The food as you mentioned is great although pricy and I personally loved everything I ate. Wonderful post. Israel is a beautiful country and despite the turbulent history and current political climate it is a great place to visit.

Anda Galffy

November 5, 2019 at 8:24 am

It must have been a great experience for you as a teenager to see how other people live. Thanks for your comment.

Blair villanueva

November 4, 2019 at 9:17 pm

I truly enjoyed readinv your Israel travel guide. As a Philippine passport holder, we got privilege for free travel visa access. It would be great to visit Israel for faith tourism.

E. J Requina

November 4, 2019 at 7:37 pm

Well you pretty much covered everything about Israel. Israel is part of my top places to visit and getting a deep dive of the country helps a lot. Its a bummer when you mentioned that the place is dead on weekends but hey im pretty sure there a lot of things to do the rest of the week.

Linda (LD Holland)

November 3, 2019 at 3:47 pm

We visited Israel for a few days with a cruise ship. So we were probably prepared for some things. But not others. I was certainly surprised to find that it was the religious centre for so many different religions. It was a bit disconcerting to find so many marketing messages on religious souvenirs. We ate in markets when we were out during the day. Even if I am a very bad haggler. We found armed guards in Israel, Jordon and Egypt. So I guess we sort of got used to them. This was a very helpful post. We would like to return on our own to Israel. So I will keep this post for reference.

November 4, 2019 at 12:54 pm

Thank you, Linda.

Laura Axtman

November 3, 2019 at 3:19 pm

What an amazing adventure. I hope to one day be able to travel to Isreal. Your description of the city helped me to understand the current climate and how to navigate the area with the history of war as a consistent reminder. Your photos are great and made me want to visit the region even more.

November 3, 2019 at 1:00 pm

I loved reading all your tips for traveling to Israel. It is at the very top of my bucket list right now, and I’ve heard such wonderful things about traveling there recently. As a Christian, there is so much Religious history that I want to experience. I appreciate the tips you’ve included on tipping, transportation, and electric plugs. Those are things I always research in detail before leaving on a trip!

November 4, 2019 at 12:55 pm

Hope you’ll manage to visit Israel someday, Leah.

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Warnings and insurance

This travel advice covers Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs).

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

FCDO advises against all travel to Gaza.

Areas near Gaza

FCDO advises against all travel to the area close to the border with Gaza that includes:

• south-west of Ashkelon
• south of route 35 and west of route 40 as far as Tlalim, not including Be’er Sheva
• west of Be’er Sheva
• north of route 211

The West Bank

FCDO advises against all travel to the West Bank, excluding East Jerusalem and Route 1 between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Northern Israel

FCDO advises against all travel to:

• within 5km of the border with Lebanon – the Israeli military has announced that the area is a closed military zone and entry into the area is prohibited
• the Sheba’a Farms and Ghajjar
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• She’ar Yeshuv

The rest of Israel and the OPTs

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Israel and the OPTs .

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .

Conflict in Israel and the OPTs

On 7 October 2023 there was a large-scale terrorist attack by Hamas in southern Israel. Hamas continues to launch rockets into Israel and the Israeli Defence Forces are conducting significant military activity in Gaza.

There is also increased military activity by the Israeli Defence Forces around Gaza, within the West Bank and on Israel’s northern border.

There are continued exchanges of rocket and small arms fire over Israel’s northern border with Lebanon and a potential increase in rocket attacks and other incidents of violence across Israel and the OPTs , including the West Bank.

We recognise this a fast-moving situation that poses significant risks. The situation has potential to deteriorate quickly and without warning. This could disrupt air and road links out of the country. If your reason to remain in Israel and the OPTs is not essential you should consider leaving if it is safe to do so.

If you are in an area affected by the fighting, follow the instructions of Israeli Home Front Command. To find these:

• visit the Israeli Home Front Command website (available in Israel only)
• call 104 if you are in Israel

The Israeli government has declared a state of emergency across the whole country. International borders (air and land) in Israel and the OPTs could close at short notice. Check the travel advice for any neighbouring country that you are planning to travel to or through.

Before travelling within Israel or  the OPTs , check the local measures in place, that roads are open and, where appropriate, that scheduled train and bus services are operating.

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Travel within or out of Israel or the OPTs is at your own risk. You are encouraged to follow the advice of local authorities, for example on which routes are open or when to take shelter.

Travelling to Egypt from Gaza

The Rafah border crossing continues to be open for controlled and time-limited periods to allow specific groups of foreign nationals, including British nationals, to cross. It is for the Egyptian and Israeli authorities to determine who is permitted to cross, and when. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will contact embassies to let them know when their foreign nationals can cross. Should we receive notification from the Israeli and Egyptian authorities that individuals are permitted to cross, we will notify those people individually.

If you are a British national in Gaza who wants to leave Gaza, you should make contact with us as soon as possible.

If you are a UK visa holder who meets all of the following criteria, you can contact us to request support to leave Gaza:

• you have a spouse/partner or a child aged 17 or under currently living in the UK; and
• you hold valid permission to enter or remain in the UK for longer than 6 months

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Help from FCDO in Israel and the OPTs

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Help from other organisations 

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Best time to visit Israel in 2021 or 2022

• Post author: Avoid Crowds
• Post published: April 10, 2021
• Post category: Best time to visit
• Post comments: 0 Comments

Early 2021, Israel was leading the world in COVID-19 vaccinations. The high vaccination rate makes the country extra attractive for a summer vacation where many travel restrictions are likely to remain in place. Israel might be an exception.

The country is considered to be such a safe haven that Royal Caribbean Cruises has redirected its newest ship , Odyssey the of the Seas, to the Eastern Mediterranean to operate fully vaccinated cruises from Israel.

Not only is Israel arguably a COVID safe haven, the country is absolutely stunning as well. Israel’s Mediterranean climate makes it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations year-round. The country is an ideal place to spend a holiday whether you want to explore its history and culture or experience its vibrant nightlife and beaches.

Useful links

• Essential Israel Travel Books
• Israel Tours and Excursions
• Hotel Discounts Tel Aviv
• Hotel Discounts Jerusalem
• Our Essential COVID Travel Kit
• Learn how to Avoid Crowds

While much of Europe and North America are left in the cold during the autumn and winter months, Israel is a great escape for travellers. Much of the country enjoys weather around the 20°C mark (approximately 70°F) during the winter months. There is also ample amounts of sunlight depending on where you go.

In 2019, a record of more than 4.9 million people visited Israel. It is a shockingly low number of tourists, which means you won’t spend your holiday fighting crowds. Although not all pasports allow entry into Israel, it is a destination worth putting on the bucket list for those who can.

Best time to visit Israel in 2021 or 2022 for the weather

The best time to visit Israel in 2021 for weather is during the spring or autumn. Spring hits Israel in April and May, and the temperatures are mild throughout the country. Days are often sunny and warm while nights can get chilly when the moon comes out. You will want to wear layers you can peel off while exploring.

The summer months are ideal for visiting the beach areas around Tel Aviv. The weather can be slightly warmer around the southern regions of the country. The more northern areas around Jerusalem are slightly cooler, but still warm. Summertime falls in June, July, and August, and are popular times to visit amongst international travellers. It is the summer months that peak travel season occurs.

Winter hits in November and lasts until March. Snow can fall in Jerusalem and the Golan Heights. Rainfall is quite high during the winter months. It is the low season for travel. If you want to explore Israel with few other travellers around or want to keep it cheap, you may want to visit during winter.

Best time to visit Israel for price

Spring, summer, and autumn are ideal times to visit Israel for the weather and beaches, but it is winter when you will get large discounts on accommodation. Due to the cold weather experienced by parts of the country – its warms compared to parts of Europe and North America – you will find fewer crowds of tourists than during the warmer months.

Food prices can vary around Israel, therefore, most of your budget will go towards accommodation. The good news is that there are a wealth of hotels, apartments and Airbnb properties to rent in the major cities.

From June to September, not only are prices higher in Israel, but this is the time period in which cruise ships dock in port cities. This can drive prices up at restaurants and bars as tourists disembark the ships and explore Israel’s cities. Tourist sites can be busy thanks to the travellers that daytrip off of their cruise ships.

Best time to visit Israel in 2021/2022: Where to go?

Have you decided that you want to go to Israel but you don’t know yet what to do. These are the two main cities to visit in the country.

Best time to travel to Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is often the No. 1 tourist destination for international travellers to Israel. Tel Aviv offers visitors a Mediterranean beach getaway. It is warm, sunny, and you will feel like you are in Greece, Italy, or southern France. The city isn’t just about the beach. Tel Aviv’s White City region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to 4,000 buildings built in the Bauhaus architectural style.

Best time to visit Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the world’s holiest city. It is a pilgrimage site for millions of people around the world regardless of religion. While Tel Aviv thrives with nightlife and beaches, Jerusalem is a bit more laidback and ideal for those looking for history, culture, and a religious experience.

Is it safe to visit Israel in 2021?

Israel is a safe destination to visit. In 2021, Israel might even be one of the safest travel destinations in the world as a result of the country’s succesful COVID-19 vaccination roll-out. Nevertheless, Israel is in the middle of a geo-political tense area. In recent years however, Israel has developed into a safe and popular tourist destination. Due to the political instability of the region, there are always certain risks you need to be aware of. Remain vigilant, avoid large gatherings such as protests and follow the directions of both your government and local authorities. 

Is it possible for foreign tourists to visit Israel in 2021?

According to The Times of Israel , tourists will be able to visit the country for the first time since early 2020. Israel plans to open up its borders for the summer of 2021 and beyond. They can do this as a result of their succesful vaccination roll-out. The entry permits are likely to only be awarded to tourists that have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Although the exact details are not yet known, and there is a fierce debate about which vaccines would get you in, things are looking promising for the summer of 2021.

Best time to visit Israel in 2021/2022: Conclusion

So, what is the best time to visit Israel in 2021 or 2022? If you want to save money on accommodation and enjoy a brilliant holiday, then book your trip for winter. Of course, you will save money but the weather won’t be quite as warm as the other times of the year. You will experience far less tourism and can avoid the crowds, however.

Spring and autumn are the best times for weather. You will pay slightly more than in winter and less than during the peak travel season of summer. You will also avoid the throngs of tourists who descend on Israel from June to August.

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Image presented as proof of 'mass exodus' at Israel airport was taken in 2022 | Fact check

The claim: image shows ‘mass exodus’ at ben gurion airport amid israel-hamas war.

An April 14 Instagram post ( direct link , archive link ) shows a crowd of travelers at a busy airport.

“Israhells Media sources report: ‘Right now, Ben Gurion Airport in Israel is witnessing a mass exodus as tens of thousands of Zi0nist families flee Israel to their countries of origin (sic),” reads the post.

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It received more than 1,000 likes in one day. Other versions of the claim spread widely on Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter . 

More from the Fact-Check Team: How we pick and research claims | Email newsletter | Facebook page

Our rating: False

The image predates the post by two years. It was taken at Ben Gurion Airport ahead of the Jewish holiday of Passover in April 2022 and included in a local news report at the time.

News article, mask-wearing show photo was taken before Hamas war

The image was included in an April 2022 report from The Times of Israel. The caption states it shows travelers at the Tel Aviv airport ahead of Passover, a Jewish holiday commemorating the Israelites' freedom from slavery in Egypt. 

The image also was distributed by the Israeli photo agency Flash 90 . The photo's credit shows Avshalom Sassoni took the photo on April 14, 2022.

Fact check : Newborn crisis in Gaza is real, but photo in viral post predates current war

The travelers’ attire also indicates it predates the Israel-Hamas war.

The widespread mask-wearing in the photo lines up with the indoor mask mandate Israel had in place at the time it was taken. The regulation was lifted later that month , with only a few exceptions.

USA TODAY has debunked an array of claims surrounding the Israel-Hamas war, including false assertions that a photo shows American troops praying before being deployed to Israel, that a video shows “casualties in Gaza” being faked and that an image shows Israeli tanks “destroyed by the resistance.” 

USA TODAY reached out to users who shared the post for comment but did not immediately receive responses.

Our fact-check sources:

• The Times of Israel, April 29, 2022, Panic at the airport as US family tries to board plane with souvenir artillery shell 
• Flash 90, April 14, 2022, BEN GURION INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or e-newspaper here .

USA TODAY is a verified signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network, which requires a demonstrated commitment to nonpartisanship, fairness and transparency. Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Meta .

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Image presented as proof of 'mass exodus' at Israel airport was taken in 2022 | Fact check

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5 facts about presidential travel abroad

American presidents and other world leaders frequently travel internationally, most commonly for conferences and bilateral meetings. This face-to-face diplomacy can offer insights into political priorities, partnerships and tensions, as well as key international issues.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted international travel in 2020 and 2021, but diplomatic travel picked up significantly in 2022. Here are five facts about presidential travel abroad:

Pew Research Center conducted this analysis to examine the international travel history of recent U.S. presidents and other heads of government through Jan. 20, 2023.

Dates and destinations of U.S. presidential travel prior to 2021 are from the U.S. Department of State’s Office of the Historian, which has recorded international presidential travel since 1901. Travel data for 2021 and 2022 was compiled from White House press briefings. Information on visits to Ukraine by other world leaders were independently verified through official government websites.

Only trips where the head of government met face-to-face with another head of government are included. For example, Biden’s trip to the UK for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral is excluded as Biden did not hold any diplomatic meetings with the British prime minister or other world leaders. Visiting leaders were only counted if they were the head of government at the time of their visit. Depending on the country’s political system, “head of government” could mean president or prime minister, but not both. Heads of state, monarchs and interim leaders are excluded from the visiting leaders count.

U.S. President Joe Biden has traveled internationally less frequently than his last two predecessors did. Biden traveled to 17 places outside the United States in his first two years in office, visiting some more than once. He made six international trips in 2021, all of them to Europe. In 2022, he made 12 trips, including to Europe, the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East. And in early 2023, Biden traveled to Mexico for the North American Leaders’ Summit.

All told, Biden’s international visit count trails those of former Presidents Donald Trump, who made 23 international trips to 20 places during his first two years in office, and Barack Obama, who made 32 trips to 24 places in the first two years of his presidency.

Biden’s first presidential trip abroad was to the United Kingdom, while Trump’s was to Saudi Arabia and Obama’s was to Canada. A president’s first trip is often used to signal the importance of a strategic alliance. On his trip to the UK in June 2021, Biden reaffirmed the U.S.-UK partnership and committed to close cooperation throughout his presidency. Typically, U.S. presidents visit a close ally on their inaugural trip: Canada was the first international destination for both Obama and Bill Clinton, while Mexico was the first destination for George W. Bush.

U.S. presidents have visited the UK the most in the past decade – a total of eight times. American presidents have worked closely with their British counterparts over the past decade, cooperating on issues from defense and counterterrorism to climate policy . Travel to the UK has largely centered around conferences and summits, but in 2019, Trump made a ceremonial state visit to the UK .  

In the past decade of presidential travel, Belgium (home to NATO headquarters ), France, Germany and Japan are the second-most visited destinations, at six times each.

So far, Biden has made the most trips to the UK and Belgium – two each. (Biden’s additional visit to the UK to attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II is not included in this count, since he did not hold any diplomatic appointments.) Just as these two European allies stand out in Biden’s presidential travel thus far, France stands out in Trump’s administration and Germany stands out in Obama’s – they visited those respective countries four times while in office.

Biden is among 38 heads of government who have visited Ukraine since the beginning of the war there. Biden traveled to Kyiv as part of a surprise trip in February, days before the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion .

While many heads of government visiting Ukraine have come from neighboring countries or countries in Europe (such as Poland’s prime minister, who has visited five times since the beginning of the war) that is not always the case. For example, Guatemala’s President Alejandro Giammattei and Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló traveled to Ukraine in July 2022 and October 2022, respectively.

Biden hosted 28 heads of government at the White House as of the end of 2022. Foreign leaders come to the U.S. for events including conferences, summits and bilateral meetings. Among those to visit the White House in 2021 and 2022 were then-Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson of Sweden, who met with Biden to submit her country’s application for NATO membership ; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who traveled to the White House on his first known wartime trip abroad ; and French President Emmanuel Macron, whose trip marked the first state visit of Biden’s presidency . In fact, the president of France has been the first leader to make a state visit to the U.S. for the past three presidential terms, with Macron visiting Trump in April 2018 and his predecessor, François Hollande, visiting Obama in February 2014. In April 2023, Biden hosted the second state visit of his administration , meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

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Sarah Austin is a research assistant focusing on global attitudes research at Pew Research Center

A growing share of Americans have little or no confidence in Netanyahu

Fewer americans view the united nations favorably than in 2023, what are americans’ top foreign policy priorities, rising numbers of americans say jews and muslims face a lot of discrimination, younger americans stand out in their views of the israel-hamas war, most popular.

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Israel ‘making decision to act’ after Iran attack, says Cameron on Jerusalem visit

UK foreign secretary is probably first non-Israeli politician to admit military reprisal is inevitable but urges Israel not to escalate

David Cameron has said it is clear Israel is “making a decision to act” in response to last weekend’s Iranian mass drone and ballistic missile attack, as Benjamin Netanyahu brushed off calls for restraint and said his country would make its own decisions about how to defend itself.

Lord Cameron, the UK foreign secretary, speaking on a visit to Jerusalem, said he hoped the Israeli response would be carried out in a way that minimised escalation.

“It’s right to have made our views clear about what should happen next, but it’s clear the Israelis are making a decision to act,” he said after meeting the Israeli president, Isaac Herzog. “We hope they do so in a way that does as little to escalate this as possible,” he added, becoming the first non-Israeli politician to openly admit that some kind of military reprisal is inevitable.

Cameron later met Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, who made it clear Israel would reach its own decisions on its security.

Speaking at the beginning of his cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Netanyahu said: “I thank our friends for their support for the defence of Israel … They also have all kinds of suggestions and advice, I appreciate it, but I want to make it clear: we will make our own decisions, and the state of Israel will do everything necessary to protect itself.”

Cameron met Netanyahu and Herzog alongside the German foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock. She was on her eighth visit to Israel since the Hamas attack on 7 October, in which 1,200 people were killed and 253 taken hostage, which prompted the Israeli offensive in Gaza that has so far killed an estimated 34,000 Palestinians.

Britain, in conjunction with the US and its European allies, has been pressing Israel not to mount a full-scale reprisal for Iran’s attack. Cameron has urged Israel to be governed by its head as well as its heart and to regard the destruction of most of the Iranian missiles and drones directed at Israel over the weekend as a win.

He argued it was more important to focus on freeing the remaining hostages from Hamas, getting aid supplies to the Gaza Strip and achieving a ceasefire in the conflict. He said he wanted to press for this in talks with the Palestinian Authority. Rishi Sunak delivered a similar message by phone to Netanyahu on Tuesday.

A No 10 spokesperson denied that Cameron’s admission that Netanyahu would take some form of action represented a snub for those lobbying the Israeli leader to show restraint – including Sunak.

Asked whether the government was disappointed that Israel seemed intent on a military response, the spokesperson said: “We’ve always said that Israel has got a right to defend itself. But clearly, we want to see all sides exercise restraint. So obviously it’s a decision for Israel but if Israel decided to act and respond, we urge them to do so in a way that avoids a significant escalation.”

In a statement issued by Herzog’s office after the meeting with the two foreign ministers, Herzog said the leadership in Tehran was endangering stability in the entire region with its actions. “The entire world must act decisively and defiantly against the threat by the Iranian regime,” the statement said.

Cameron is also due to hold talks with Mohammad Mustafa, the prime minister of the Palestinian Authority.

One of the side-effects of the Iranian assault has been to reduce some of the pressure on Israel to do more to improve humanitarian aid flows into Gaza. The UK remains deeply concerned that if the media and diplomatic pressure is eased, Israel may not fulfil the pledges it made a fortnight ago to Joe Biden to allow more aid in through more crossings.

Iran has daily threatened a severe and major escalation if Israel does launch an attack, insisting it will provide no advance warning, as it did over the weekend. But officials admit Iran’s response will be calibrated according to Israel’s own attack, with one factor being whether it is directed on Iranian soil or instead seeks to attack Iranian assets in Syria and elsewhere.

At the annual military parade in Tehran, the Iranian president, Ebrahim Raisi, told Israel that even the “smallest invasion” would lead to a “massive and harsh” reaction. Iran’s attack last weekend had only limited targets, Raisi said, adding that a larger attack could hit Israel much harder.

The latest round of tit-for-tat violence broke out on 1 April when Israel killed seven Iranian commanders, including two Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) generals, in Iran’s consulate in Damascus. Some Israeli sources have said the target was legitimate since the Iranians were using the building to mount attacks on Israel, thus losing the diplomatic immunity provided by the Vienna convention.

The US state department said on Tuesday it was still carrying out an investigation into whether the consulate was a diplomatic building or not. The US said it was relying on intelligence capabilities and allies on the ground to ascertain the true purpose of the building.

Cameron said he wanted to see coordinated sanctions against Iran, and that would be the key purpose of a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting starting formally on Thursday in Capri, Italy. He argued Iran must be “given a clear, unequivocal message” over its support for Hamas, its Lebanon-based ally Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi rebels. “I hope that will happen at the meeting,” he said.

Iran is already under probably the heaviest sanctions in the world. The most effective way to further punish it would be to hit the Chinese banks and energy firms involved in importing Iranian oil, the single largest revenue earner for Tehran, but the Biden administration is reluctant to become embroiled in a sanctions war with China and does not want to see petrol prices rise in the midst of a presidential election.

Britain is also pressing Israel to realise that the nascent anti-Iranian sentiment in the Gulf states provides an opportunity for Israel to forge stronger links with Arab nations, so isolating Iran.

Tensions between Jordan and Iran have emerged over Jordan’s decision to knock out Iranian drones heading for Israel. It has also been reported that Egypt was still negotiating with Iran three hours before the attack was launched, saying it was seeking understandings from Israel over a ceasefire and an Israeli commitment not to attack Rafah.

Iranian diplomats insisted they wanted a UN security council statement condemning the Israeli attack on Iran’s consulate, but Washington rejected the proposal.

It was also reported in the Iranian media that it was the IRGC, not the Iranian foreign ministry, that summoned the conduit for Iranian-US relations, the Swiss ambassador in Tehran, at 3am on Sunday to convey the message that Tehran was prepared to go further if the US intervened.

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Middle East Crisis U.S. Won’t Suspend Aid, for Now, to Israeli Unit Accused of Abuses

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• Israeli police detaining protesters during a demonstration by Israeli and American rabbis near the Erez crossing into Gaza. Reuters
• Palestinian children waiting for a water supply tank in Rafah, southern Gaza. Mohammed Abed/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• Damage in the area of Nabatieh, southern Lebanon. Ramiz Dallah/Anadolu, via Getty Images
• Walking past posters in Tel Aviv of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
• Hanging around the apparent remains of a ballistic missile near the southern Israeli city of Arad. Amir Cohen/Reuters
• Palestinians on a hot day at a beach west of Deir al Balah in southern Gaza. Mohammed Saber/EPA, via Shutterstock

Follow live news updates on the crisis in the Middle East .

Blinken says the U.S. could take action if Israel fails to hold its troops accountable.

The Biden administration, which has been under pressure for its support of Israel’s war in Gaza, will not withhold military aid from a troubled military unit accused of human rights violations in the West Bank, so long as Israel continues with steps to hold the members of the unit accountable.

In an undated letter, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken told the House speaker, Mike Johnson, that the United States was working with Israel to address charges against the unit, the Netzah Yehuda battalion. Though the letter did not mention the battalion’s name, a U.S. official confirmed that Mr. Blinken was referring to Netzah Yehuda, which has been investigated for crimes in the West Bank predating the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack that set off the war in Gaza.

The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss delicate diplomacy, said that the Biden administration could still take action against Netzah Yehuda if it concludes that Israel has not taken sufficient steps to hold its members to account.

The letter, obtained by The New York Times, said the State Department had determined that Netzah Yehuda had committed “gross human rights violations” against Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

U.S. officials had reached similar findings about two other Israeli military units and two civilian units, the letter said, but in those cases the Biden administration had decided not to withhold military aid because Israel was already acting to “bring to justice” culpable service members.

Mr. Blinken assured Mr. Johnson in the letter, reported earlier by ABC News , that the United States “will not delay the delivery of any U.S. assistance, and Israel will be able to receive the full amount appropriated by Congress.”

Under federal statutes commonly known as the Leahy law , the U.S. government must deny aid to foreign military units found to have committed gross violations of human rights without accountability. The law allows for the targeting of individual units without cutting off entire foreign militaries.

It was not clear what practical effect any such move might have, given that funding of specific Israeli units is hard to track, and it is unclear whether the units mentioned in the letter receive American training or equipment.

Still, the news last week that U.S. officials were considering withholding aid from Israeli military units for abuses prompted a furious response from Israel and from Mr. Johnson, a strong supporter of the current Israeli government. Mr. Johnson said this week that he had called the White House in protest and had received an assurance in writing that none of the billions in additional U.S. aid to Israel approved by Congress this week would be affected.

The Biden administration has faced growing calls to restrict American aid to Israel over its military offensive in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attacks in October. President Biden so far has declined to place conditions on U.S. aid over Israel’s devastating tactics in the Gaza war, though he has taken several steps in response to violence by Israelis in the West Bank, including placing sanctions against several Israeli settlers for what the U.S. has called “extremist” acts of violence against Palestinians.

In his letter to the Republican House speaker, Mr. Blinken said that two Israeli battalions and “civilian authority units,” none of which he named, had committed human rights abuses but that he had “determined that the Israeli government has conducted effective remediation of the units involved.” He defined remediation as a process in which a foreign government takes “effective steps to bring to justice the responsible members of the unit.”

In the case of Netzah Yehuda, which he did not cite by name, he said that “there has not been effective remediation to date” but that the Israeli government “has presented new information regarding the status of the unit, and we will engage on identifying a path to effective remediation for this unit.”

Mr. Blinken is planning to travel to Israel next week for meetings with Israeli leaders to discuss efforts to free hostages from Gaza and an impending Israeli military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, an Israeli official said on Friday. It was not immediately clear whether he would discuss Netzah Yehuda. Mr. Blinken has discussed the matter by phone with senior Israeli officials in recent days.

Under the terms of a 10-year security agreement that the United States and Israel reached in 2016, the United States must consult with Israeli officials before placing restrictions on security assistance. That consultation is ongoing, according to the U.S. official.

Netzah Yehuda, which was created to accommodate the religious practices of Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community, has been repeatedly accused of mistreating Palestinians.

In January 2022, according to witnesses, its soldiers bound and gagged a 78-year-old Palestinian American who died of a heart attack while in military custody. An investigation concluded that the two soldiers who bound the man thought he was sleeping. The soldiers faced disciplinary action but no criminal charges were brought.

The unit was transferred in 2022 from the West Bank to the Golan Heights in northern Israel, according to Mr. Blinken’s letter.

Mr. Blinken added that no other Israeli units had been found culpable of rights violations under the Leahy Law and that the administration’s deliberations “will have no impact on our support for Israel’s ability to defend itself against Hamas, Iran, Hezbollah or other threats.”

— Michael Crowley reporting from Washington

Blinken will make another wartime trip to Israel.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will visit Israel next week, an Israeli official said on Friday, as talks on a cease-fire deal that would allow for the release of hostages held in Gaza appear stalled and tensions have risen between Israel and the United States over the war.

The Israeli official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of lack of authorization to speak publicly on the matter, said talks with Mr. Blinken would center on hostages and an impending Israeli military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

Mr. Blinken last visited Israel in March, when he warned that its plans to invade Rafah , where more than a million displaced people are sheltering, would pose severe risks to civilians. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to press ahead with those plans, saying that such an operation is necessary to eliminate Hamas battalions in the city.

Still, the Biden administration has stuck by Israel as mediators have failed to broker even a temporary cease-fire in Gaza that would give Palestinians some respite and allow for the release of hostages abducted in the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel .

The United States has proposed a deal through Egyptian and Qatari intermediaries in which Hamas would release 40 of the most vulnerable hostages in exchange for a six-week truce and the release of hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. A senior Biden administration official who briefed reporters on Thursday on condition of anonymity under official ground rules put the blame solely on Hamas for blocking the deal.

The official said that while Israel had signaled it would accept those terms, the response from Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader hiding underground in Gaza, had been “totally nonconstructive.” Hamas has since signaled that it is not completely rejecting the deal and is willing to sit down again, the official said, adding that the United States and its partners would test that in coming days.

President Biden and the leaders of 17 other nations called on Hamas on Thursday to release all the hostages in a joint statement that appeared intended to send the message that the world is not entirely against Israel and that Hamas is the main impediment to ending the war.

Peter Baker contributed reporting from Washington.

— Patrick Kingsley reporting from Jerusalem

Israel fires into Lebanon after a deadly Hezbollah missile strike.

An Israeli man was killed in an anti-tank missile attack from Lebanon, the Israeli military said on Friday, the latest in a growing string of civilian casualties on both sides of Israel’s northern border as tit-for-tat strikes intensify with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah .

The Israeli military said in a statement that the man had been carrying out “infrastructure work” when two anti-tank missiles were fired late Thursday into the area of Har Dov in northern Israel, a disputed sliver of land where Israel, Lebanon and Syria meet. Also known as the Shebaa Farms, the area is claimed by Lebanon but occupied by Israel, and has long been a crucible for violence.

Hezbollah, Iran’s most powerful regional proxy , described the overnight attack as an “ambush,” claiming that two vehicles had been destroyed in a combined missile, artillery and rocket assault on an Israeli military base in the area. The Israeli military statement did not say whether a base had been hit.

Kan, Israel’s public broadcaster, identified the man killed as Sharif Suwayed, 35, and said that his truck had been hit while he was working to improve defenses at a military base, modifications that were being carried out at night to protect against Hezbollah attacks. The Israeli military was investigating, the broadcaster reported.

Israeli forces responded by striking Hezbollah targets across southern Lebanon, among them a weapon storage facility and military compound, according to a military statement. Lebanese state media reported on Friday that multiple towns had been targeted by heavy Israeli bombardment, damaging dozens of houses. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

The fighting between Hezbollah and Israel, the heaviest between the sides in nearly two decades, has shown no sign of subsiding. Israeli strikes inside Lebanon have begun to creep deeper into the country’s interior, though the hostilities for now have been confined largely to areas along the Israeli-Lebanese border.

In Israel, 19 soldiers and civilians have been killed in the recent violence, which began after Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel in support of the deadly Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7.

More than 70 civilians have been killed in Lebanon, along with roughly 270 Hezbollah fighters, the group has said, a figure that exceeds its losses in the 2006 war with Israel .

Yoav Gallant, Israel’s defense minister, said this week that its strikes had eliminated half of Hezbollah’s commanders in southern Lebanon, although experts expressed skepticism about that claim . They also have cast doubt on whether targeted killings of commanders could achieve Israel’s goal of pushing Hezbollah farther from the border, reducing the threat of attacks and allowing the tens of thousands of Israeli civilians displaced by the fighting to return to their homes.

Patrick Kingsley contributed reporting from Jerusalem.

— Euan Ward Reporting from Beirut, Lebanon

A baby born in Gaza after her mother was killed in an Israeli strike dies less than a week later.

A baby who was delivered through an emergency cesarean section after her mother was killed in an Israeli strike died on Thursday, a relative said, less than a week after news of her birth brought a glimmer of hope to war-torn Gaza.

The baby, who was born prematurely after a strike in southern Gaza that also killed her father and sister, suffered respiratory problems, and doctors were unable to save her, said her uncle, Rami al-Sheikh.

“I buried her in her father’s grave,” he said in a phone interview on Friday.

The mother, Sabreen al-Sakani, was killed along with her husband, Shukri, and their 3-year-old daughter, Malak, when an Israeli strike hit their home in the city of Rafah shortly before midnight last Saturday. Rescue crews took the bodies to the Emirati Hospital in Rafah, where doctors performed a cesarean section on Ms. al-Sakani, who was 30 weeks pregnant.

The girls’ uncle said that Malak had wanted to name her little sister Rouh, the Arabic word for soul. The extended family decided instead to name her after her mother, Sabreen.

Sabreen weighed just three pounds at birth, said Dr. Mohammed Salama, head of the neonatal intensive care unit at Emirati Hospital. Her birth was captured on video by a journalist from the Reuters news agency, who filmed doctors providing artificial respiration to her after she emerged, pale and limp, from her mother.

Instead of a name, doctors initially wrote, “The baby of the martyr Sabreen al-Sakani” on a piece of tape across her chest.

“The baby was delivered into a tragic situation,” Dr. Salama told Reuters, adding, “Even if this baby survives, she was born an orphan.”

— Hiba Yazbek Reporting from Jerusalem

Drone attack kills 4 workers in an Iraqi gas field, but no one claims responsibility.

A drone attack on a large gas field in Iraq’s Kurdistan region killed four workers and plunged much of eastern Kurdistan into darkness because it relies on gas to fuel its electrical plants, according to a Kurdistan regional government spokesman.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. While Iranian-backed armed groups have bases in the area, there are many competing interests in Kurdistan, leaving it unclear whether the attacks are part of the larger regional fight between Iran and Israel, which has intensified during the war in Gaza.

The Kurdistan region’s president, Nechirvan Barzani, condemned the attack and called on the government in Baghdad to investigate. “These attacks endanger the peace and stability of the country,” Mr. Barzani said, adding, “The representatives of the Iraqi federal government must do their duty to prevent these attacks and find the perpetrators from any side and punish them according to the law.”

Iraq’s joint command in Baghdad issued a statement calling the attack “sabotage,” confirming that a drone was used. The statement said Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al Sudani had ordered an investigation.

Friday’s drone attack was the second so far this year on the Khor Mor field in Sulaymaniyah Province. The last one, in January, did not inflict casualties.

“Four Yemeni workers have been killed, and the field has been severely damaged, which will cause electricity shortages,” said Peshawa Hawramani, a spokesman for the Kurdistan regional government.

Almost a million people in Sulaymaniyah Province were left without power, along with thousands more in adjacent provinces. It took about 24 hours to restore electricity after the last attack, but because the damage was greater this time, Kurdish authorities said it could take longer. While hospitals and security services have large generators, many ordinary residents have access only to limited power from shared generators.

Claims of responsibility were never made for previous attacks on the gas field, which is operated by Dana Gas, based in the United Arab Emirates, and a related company, Crescent Petroleum.

While the drone attack could stem from the regional conflict between Iran and Israel, there are other tensions in the region — between internal Iraqi factions and between Baghdad and Kurdistan. There has been a multiyear effort by the Iraqi federal government in Baghdad and the courts to reduce the Kurdistan region’s control over its natural resources.

At the same time, there is tension between Iran and Iraq over any efforts by Iraq to expand domestic gas production. Iran sells about $4 billion of gas to Iraq each year because Iraq does not have enough gas to fuel its electricity plants. Kurdistan and the Iraqi government had been discussing expansion of the Khor Mor field.

Kamil Kakol contributed reporting from Sulaymaniyah Province, Iraq .

— Alissa J. Rubin Reporting from Baghdad

Rabbis are arrested near the Gaza-Israel border at a rally to highlight starvation.

Police arrest group of rabbis and activists near gaza, the israeli police arrested rabbis and peace activists near the border with gaza..

[singing] You can arrest us, but we’re going to walk slowly, our way towards the crossing.

Seven rabbis and peace activists were arrested on Friday near the border with Gaza after they tried to take food supplies into the territory, according to two participants and the campaign group that organized the effort.

The detainees were among a group of roughly 30 rabbis and activists from Israel and the United States who were stopped by police officers as they tried to reach the Erez crossing, a major transit point between Israel and northern Gaza.

Organized by Rabbis for Ceasefire, a peace movement based in the United States, the effort was intended to build support for a truce and to highlight rising reports of starvation in Gaza . A global authority on food security, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification initiative, has predicted an imminent famine in northern Gaza, the area of the territory closest to Erez.

The protest was timed to coincide with the week of Passover , a Jewish festival that celebrates the biblical story of the liberation of Jews from slavery in ancient Egypt.

“We were making the point that Jewish liberation is bound up with Palestinian liberation, that we want freedom for all,” said Toba Spitzer, a rabbi from Boston who attended the protest but was not arrested.

The group had tried to drive into Gaza with a pickup truck carrying half a ton of rice and flour but was stopped roughly a third of a mile from the border, Rabbi Spitzer said. The effort was largely symbolic and the organizers expected it to fail given the restrictions along the border; the supplies will now be donated to needy Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Rabbi Spitzer said.

The Israeli police did not respond to requests for comment.

The author Ayelet Waldman of Berkeley, Calif., was among those arrested, her husband, the author Michael Chabon, said on Instagram .

There are widespread food shortages in Gaza. Israeli restrictions on where convoys can enter the strip, Israeli bombardment and widespread damage to roads, the collapse of Gazan agriculture, and a breakdown in law and order have all made it harder to distribute aid safely.

Aid groups and United Nations officials have accused Israel of systematically limiting aid delivery. Israel denies the assertion, blaming the shortages on logistical failures by aid groups, and has recently increased the number of trucks entering the strip.

Israeli officials say that the Erez crossing, which was primarily used for pedestrian traffic before the war, is difficult to use for aid delivery because it lacks the right infrastructure and was also badly damaged during the Hamas-led raid on Israel in October.

A majority of Jewish Israelis oppose the delivery of more aid to Gaza, according to a poll conducted in February by the Israel Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem-based research group.

Israeli protesters regularly gather at another crossing point farther south, trying to block aid convoys entering Gaza .

— Patrick Kingsley and Rawan Sheikh Ahmad Reporting from Jerusalem and from Haifa, Israel

The U.S. Army has begun work on a floating pier to move aid from ships into Gaza, the Pentagon says.

Army engineers on Thursday began construction of a floating pier and causeway for humanitarian aid off the coast of Gaza, which, when completed, could help relief workers deliver as many as two million meals a day for the enclave’s residents, Defense Department officials said.

The construction on the “initial stages of the temporary pier and causeway at sea” means that the project’s timing is in line with what Pentagon officials had predicted, Maj. Gen. Patrick S. Ryder, the Defense Department’s press secretary, said. The construction is meant to allow humanitarian aid to bypass Israeli restrictions on land convoys into the besieged strip.

General Ryder said that defense officials expected the project, ordered up by President Biden early last month, to be completed early next month. The facility is meant to include an offshore platform to transfer aid from ships, and a floating pier to bring the aid to shore.

Aid organizations have welcomed the plan, which will be an addition to the airdrops of humanitarian supplies that the U.S. military has been conducting over Gaza. But aid workers say, and defense officials have acknowledged, that the maritime project is not an adequate substitute for land convoys. Such aid convoys fell sharply when the war began more than six months ago and have only partly recovered .

Some U.S. military officials have also privately expressed security concerns about the project, and General Ryder said that the military was looking into a mortar attack on Wednesday that caused minimal damage in the area where some pier work is supposed to be done. However, he said, U.S. forces had not started moving anything into the area at the time of the mortar attacks.

The floating pier is being built alongside an Army ship off the Gaza coast. Army ships are large, lumbering vessels, so they have armed escorts, particularly as they get within range of Gaza’s coast, defense officials have said.

The United Nations says famine is likely to set in within Gaza by the end of May.

Aid workers have described bottlenecks for aid at border crossings because of lengthy inspections of trucks, limited crossing hours and protests by Israelis, and they have highlighted the difficulty of distributing aid inside Gaza. Israeli officials have denied that they are hampering the flow of aid, saying the United Nations and aid groups are responsible for any backlogs.

Senior Biden administration and military officials detailed a complex plan in a Pentagon call with reporters on Thursday afternoon, explaining how the pier and causeway are being put together, and how it is supposed to work. Army engineers are constructing the facility aboard Navy ships in the eastern Mediterranean. One official said that the “at-sea assembly of key pieces” of the pier began on Thursday.

Biden officials are insistent that the Pentagon can carry out aid deliveries through the floating pier without putting American boots on the ground in Gaza. Officials described a complicated shuttle system, through which aid would be loaded onto Navy ships in Cyprus and transported to a causeway — a floating platform — at sea.

The Pentagon’s military acronym for the project is J-Lots, for Joint Logistics Over the Shore.

The causeway at sea is different from the floating pier where the aid will be offloaded into Gaza. An engineering unit with the Israeli military will anchor the floating pier to the Gaza shore, a senior military official told reporters in the Pentagon call.

Shuttle boats run by aid organizations, the United Nations or other countries are then expected to transport the aid to the floating pier, where it is to be loaded onto trucks driven by “a third party,” the official said. He declined to identify the third party.

The official said that Israel was dedicating a brigade to provide security for the American troops and aid workers working on the pier.

The operation is expected to bring in enough aid for around 90 trucks a day, a number that will increase to 150 trucks a day when the system reaches full operating capacity, the official said.

— Helene Cooper Reporting from Washington

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Disillusionment plagues young Latinos who could decide the 2024 race in battleground states

TEMPE, Ariz. — Young Latino voters in key swing states have the numbers to potentially sway the 2024 presidential election. But interviews with nearly two dozen young Latino students on college campuses in battleground states revealed many are currently unmotivated to back a candidate or even cast a ballot.

The students in Arizona, Pennsylvania and Georgia spoke passionately about Israel’s war in Gaza, the rising cost of living, immigration and abortion. Almost everyone interviewed said TikTok is where they get most of their news .

Amid the palm trees at Arizona State University, senior Darien Guerrero, 22, said he leans Republican. What he cares about most is the “great threat of climate change.”

But voting in November wasn’t high on his to-do list.

Climate change “is a problem that is bigger than us, bigger than the elections, the parties or anything. This is a human civilization problem,” said Guerrero, a biology major. He added that those in power often seem to be in the way of his generation’s efforts to fix the issue.

In the western U.S., which includes the battlegrounds of Arizona and Nevada, Latinos are nearly 4 of every 10 newly eligible voters — defined as those who have reached ages 18 or 19 since the 2022 midterms. In the South, Latinos are 24% of newly eligible voters, and in the Northeast they make up 19%.

Young voters usually favor Democratic candidates: The Harvard Youth Poll showed young Hispanics favor President Joe Biden over former President Donald Trump 50% to 27% in a two-way race, with 22% saying they don’t know. National polls currently show a tight race among all voters.

If young voters, many of them Latino, don’t vote in large enough numbers for Democrats —  particularly in Arizona, Georgia or Pennsylvania  — “that could be the whole race,” said Republican consultant Mike Madrid.

“It’s not [if] Democrats will win the youth vote — they will — but percentage is everything,” he said. “That is what has been narrowing this year, in a way that has been unprecedented.”

Pamela Gomez, 20, a biomedical student at ASU, said she intends to register to vote — but not yet. She passed on doing so with a group registering voters just a few yards away.

“I wish voting for a third party was more common or had more effect,” Gomez said. “Right now, I don’t want to vote for either Biden or Trump, but I know going for a third party doesn’t go anywhere.”

Biden and Democrats drew on solid young Latino support in battleground states to secure their 2020 and 2022 victories. In 2020, new voters of all backgrounds under age 30 favored Biden over Trump, 59% to 33%. Trump won new voters of all backgrounds over age 30, 55% to 42%.

It’s unclear how that will play out in this election cycle. “There’s a general sense of both parties are the same, nothing’s going to change; institutions have failed us; we don’t trust any of the institutions no matter who’s in power,” said political scientist Stella Rouse, director of ASU’s Hispanic Research Center.

Isiger Palomino-Garcia, a student at Lehigh Carbon Community College, lives in a section of eastern Pennsylvania considered the state’s “Latino Belt.” The Lehigh Valley was once known as an industrial center and includes Allentown, the former steel town that now has the third-most Hispanic people of any city in Pennsylvania. Every block in downtown Allentown seems to have a Dominican barbershop, churches with Spanish names and countless Hispanic food restaurants.

Candidates, especially Biden, are pinning their hopes on potential voters like Palomino-Garcia. But while she remembered being “really happy” that Barack Obama was president when she was a teenager, the 21-year-old said she hasn’t decided whether to vote this year because none of the candidates excite her.

That’s not for lack of effort on the part of the Democratic Party, according to Victor Martinez, owner and co-host of Allentown-based Spanish-language radio station La Mega 101.7 FM. He said this election is the first time he has seen the Democratic Party pay such early attention to Latino voters overall in the region.

The Biden campaign has purchased ad time on the station, given Martinez unprecedented access to Democratic candidates, and invited him to broadcast live from the White House during the State of the Union address. Republicans have not yet approached him, he said.

“I’m not worried about young people voting for Trump,” said Democratic strategist Chuck Rocha, who was a senior adviser to Sen. Bernie Sanders ’ presidential campaign. “I’m worried about them staying home.”

Israel-Hamas war and rising housing costs top concerns

Dalton State College is Georgia’s only Hispanic-serving institution, a federal designation for nonprofit institutions with at least 25% Hispanic full-time undergraduate enrollment. Located in the deep-red Whitfield County, which is represented by far-right Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene in Congress, Dalton boasts a large manufacturing industry and was once dubbed the “carpet capital of the world.” It’s also home to a vibrant Latino community that has come to define the small city in recent decades.

Nearly 40% of students on campus are Hispanic, and many of them grew up in Dalton or the surrounding area. Whitfield County is home to just over 11,000 registered Latino voters — about the same number of votes that carried Biden to victory in the state in 2020.

It is apparent here, as in Pennsylvania and Arizona, that the Biden campaign hasn’t yet eased young Latinos’ worries on several issues, in particular the Israel-Hamas war and frustrations over the lack of affordable housing.

Emmanuel Ramirez, 19, a computer science freshman at Dalton State College, said that while he’s leaning toward Biden, he hasn’t ruled out voting for a third party candidate in part because he’s unimpressed by the candidates’ responses to the Israel-Hamas war.

“It’s infuriating. It’s frustrating,” Ramirez said. At the time of the interview, Ramirez was fasting for Ramadan to show solidarity with his Muslim friends.

Biden, who signed a bill Tuesday that includes includes $26 billion in assistance to Israel and humanitarian relief in Gaza, has urged Israel to agree to a cease-fire and to curb attacks on Gaza, while Trump said in March that Israel should “ finish the problem ,” though he has otherwise mostly avoided talking about the war. Many young Latinos who expressed anger over the civilian deaths in Gaza were opposed to sending money to Israel and supported a cease-fire.

Many students were familiar with videos on social media that they said show Israeli strikes killing and injuring Palestinian civilians, including children, but some were not familiar with the details of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks and hostage takings that triggered the current conflict.

Marcel Lopez, 20, who is getting his associate degree in engineering at Phoenix Community College, was also unhappy with the billions the U.S. is sending to support Ukraine in what he sees as “an unwinnable war.” 

Rocha said the war, along with a sense of rebellion and the “none of the above” view of Trump and Biden, are at the heart of malaise among young voters.

Across all three battleground states, young Latino college students said one of their top economic concerns was the increasing cost of housing.

Nicholas Hernandez, 22, an ASU political science and transborder studies major, said his family recently moved out of their four-bedroom west Phoenix home because the rent kept increasing. “A lot of my friends talk about that, too. Their parents’ rents have increased as well.”

He works two jobs and pays his school-related costs and application fees for law school. He’s a loyal Democrat, and although he said “Joe Biden is not the best,” he is voting for him.

A class assignment on municipal candidates motivated Jeremy Bautista, 20, a Lehigh Carbon business major, to vote for the first time last year in local Allentown elections. But he’s unsure whether he wants to vote again; neither Biden nor Trump has eased his concerns about his economic future.

“Am I going to be able to live on my own by the age of 23?” he said. “Am I going to be able to have that independence?”

When immigration is personal

Many of the young Latino college students interviewed are children of immigrants, with previously or still undocumented family members, and they see immigration as a deeply personal issue. They chafed — and some became emotional — while discussing the threats of increased immigration enforcement and deportations.

In Georgia, Ramirez recalled spending his summers picking grapes with his family, starting at age 10. He saw Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrest and detain his father, leaving his mother to struggle to make ends meet for their three children.

“It was hard,” Ramirez said through tears. “It was really unfair. Obviously, the exploitation was there, the wages weren’t fair at all, and it hurt. But it shaped me.”

Hernandez, the ASU student, said he often talks with fellow students about living under his state’s harsh “ show me your papers law ” and worries about a return to that anti-immigrant environment.

“A lot of us talk about the trauma … of us losing our parents, seeing tíos (uncles), tías (aunts), friends, parents hiding. My dad was afraid to drive around,” said Hernandez. “My mother had to drive him everywhere.”

At Dalton State College, Karla Hernandez, 21, a senior studying biology, had similar fears now that the state has passed new legislation, House Bill 1105, to crack down on undocumented immigrants following the slaying of nursing student Laken Riley at the University of Georgia. Most Hispanic students and locals who spoke to NBC News cited the bill as a cause of deep concern.

Hernandez said she learned about the bill through Instagram posts and looked it up. The bill, which is awaiting the governor’s signature, could bring back a program known as 287(g) that partners local law enforcement with ICE to make arrests, conduct raids and other actions. The program has been a source of numerous complaints of racial profiling, denial of due process and family separations.

“It was like there is no way this is actually happening, and it was, so that’s really shocking,” she said.

ASU’s Rouse said her research shows there’s diversity of opinion in border counties and cities when it comes to immigration, even among young people, with some supporting more immigration restrictions because of the way increased migration has affected their communities. That could work in Republicans’ favor.

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Trump has vowed that, if elected, he’ll conduct massive deportation sweeps and wants to end  birthright citizenship . As president, he tried to get rid of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program , which Biden supports.

The issue for Democrats is whether these differences can mobilize young Latino voters to abandon thoughts of a third-party candidate.

A mobilization tipping point?

A few days after Arizona’s Supreme Court upheld an 1864 law imposing a near total ban on abortions, Guerrero, the biology student at ASU, said in a text that the court’s decision makes him feel more compelled to vote, though he hadn’t decided how he’ll vote.

Across the board, regardless of political leanings, young Latino college students supported abortion rights.

Mariajose Leon, 19, a freshman studying biomedical science and Spanish at ASU, said abortion is a human rights issue that is “very black and white — women should have the right to decide.”

Juan Carlos Avitia, 18, an ASU freshman studying aerospace engineering, said he leans Republican. He said women should have the right to choose, with some limits. “I don’t like big government, but I think there should be restrictions,” he said.

Abortion has been a mobilizing issue for Democrats: About 4 in 10 (42%) young Latino voters nationally said that the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade and state laws restricting abortion motivated them to vote in the 2022 midterms, according to a Brookings report .

That’s why Alyssa Cáceres, 20, a student at Lehigh Carbon, voted for the first time in that midterm. This year, she’s unhappy with the prospect of Biden and Trump on the ballot again, but does plan to vote.

“I’m unsettled. I’m picking between the lesser of two evils,” she said. “There should be a third choice that’s better.”

Fellow Lehigh Carbon student Margaret Rodríguez Sánchez, 20, is still on the fence about registering to vote. But she said reproductive rights would be “very important when it comes to my voting.”

Rouse, the ASU Hispanic Research Center director, said the Israel-Gaza conflict and immigration seemed to be drowning out the abortion issue, and she was unsure if it would be as mobilizing as Democrats hoped. But it’s back on the radar, she said.

This year, Democrats started their outreach and messaging to prospective Latino voters earlier and have been amping it up with just seven months to go before Election Day.

But in a tight race boiling down to what happens in a few swing states, challenges remain — especially for Biden. Young voters, Rouse said, aren’t engaging with what she describes as “existential threats” to democracy.

“It’s a really hard message to get across to young people,” she said.

Suzanne Gamboa reported from Tempe and Phoenix, Arizona; Nicole Acevedo from Allentown and Schnecksville, Pennsylvania; and Isabela Espadas Barros Leal from Dalton, Georgia.

Suzanne Gamboa is a national reporter for NBC Latino and NBCNews.com

Nicole Acevedo is a reporter for NBC News Digital. She reports, writes and produces stories for NBC Latino and NBCNews.com.

Isabela Espadas Barros Leal is an associate editor for NBC News' diversity verticals based in New York.