There is currently a large-scale conflict happening in areas of southern Israel close to the border with Gaza. Rockets have been fired from Gaza into Israel and there are an unknown number of armed terrorists present in the area. There are reports of them shooting people and taking hostages in the peripheral area around Gaza. YouIf you are advisedin toan consultarea Israeliaffected Homeby Frontthe Commandfighting for more information: www.oref.org.il/en or call 104 if you areshould infollow Israel. Follow the instructions of localIsraeli authoritiesHome ifFront you are in these areas.Command.

The Israeli government has declared a state of emergency withinacross 80km of the borderwhole withcountry. Gaza. International borders (air and land) in Israel and the OPTs could close at short notice. You should check with your airlines and travel insurers before travelling. You are advised to consult Israeli Home Front Command for more information: www.oref.org.il/en or call 104 if you are in Israel.

British nationals requiring consular assistance should call the following numbers: +972 (0)3 725 1222 or +972 (2) 5414100. If you experience technical difficulties with these or if you are in the UK, call +44 20 7008 5000.

If you are a British National in Israel or the OPTs, please register your presence which includes recording your up to date contact information. You should fill in this form for every member of your family or group who is a British National. Your registration will allow us to share any updates to this travel advice.

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. In addition, we advise against all travel to:

• Gaza
• the Sheba’a Farms and Ghajjar
• within 500m of the border with Lebanon (the ‘Blue Line’) east of Metula, including the northern edge of the town and and within 500m of the border with Syria (the ‘Alpha Line’).

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• areasThe northarea ofclose andto includingthe Jeninborder city,with BurqinGaza andthat Arranahincludes in the northfollowing:
• The ofarea thesouthwest Westof Bank.Ashkelon
• The Thisarea includessouth Jeninof refugeeroute camp35 and allwest areas north of thisroute until40 theas Jalamahfar checkpointas forTlalim, accessnot toincluding IsraelBe’er Sheva
• theThe cityarea west of Nablus,Be’er Joseph’sSheva
• The Tomb,area andnorth the Balata and New Askar refugee camps near Nablus and the village of Huwara,route south of Nablus211

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

Make sure you are aware of Israeli immigration policies before you travel. Allow extra time for increased security measures and checks at airports during Israeli holidays and during the summer tourist season. See Entry requirements.

The security situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories can be fast moving, tense and unpredictable. You should be vigilant at all times and keep up to date with local media and travel reports.

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including places visited by foreigners including the Old City in Jerusalem, on public transport, and in busy public spaces. See Terrorism

There have been repeated instances of rocket fire from Gaza, which may occur well beyond the Gaza border area; Israel has often responded with air strikes into Gaza. Make sure you know the safety actions that you should take if an Israeli warning siren sounds, follow advice from local authorities and stay informed of the security situation through the media and this travel advice. No warning sirens will sound inside Gaza. See Gaza

You should also exercise extreme caution when considering visiting Palestinian refugee camps which have previously been the site of violent clashes (we advise against all but essential travel to the camps in Jenin and Nablus).

In Israel and the West Bank, there is a risk of violent incidents, including stabbings, shootings, arson, vehicle rammings and stone throwing attacks on people and vehicles. These incidents have involved protestors (both Israelis and Palestinians), Israeli security forces, and civilians (including Israeli settlers). There is a risk that tourists or bystanders could be caught up in any of these types of incident.

There have also been large political demonstrations across Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, which have the potential to escalate and become violent. Entry/exit to Ben Gurion airport has occasionally been impacted during political demonstrations. You should check the local news before travelling to see if there have been recent clashes, be vigilant, avoid any large gatherings or demonstrations, avoid areas which have been the site of recent violence and follow the instructions of the local authorities. If you are in a location where an Israeli security operation or armed clashes are ongoing, you should stay inside and wait for the local authorities to confirm that the situation is calm before moving to a different location.

Incidents have occurred in Tel Aviv, Be’er Sheva, Hadera, Jerusalem and the Old City (particularly at and around Damascus Gate, Herod’s gate, Lion’s Gate and the Chain Gate), Nablus, Jenin, Hebron, the Jordan Valley, at Israeli checkpoints, near settlement outposts, and around Palestinian refugee camps. You should exercise particular caution when considering visiting Hebron or Palestinian refugee camps which have previously been the site of violent clashes (we advise against all but essential travel to the camps in Jenin and Nablus) settlements and settlement outposts which have been the site of recent violent incidents (e.g near Beit El, Homesh, Shilo, Evyatar, etc) and avoid such locations after dark. You should check the local news before travelling to these areas to see if there have been recent clashes and avoid areas which have been the site of recent violence.

These incidents have also occurred along Route 60 (especially junctions near Nablus), Route 443 and other West Bank arterial roads used by both Palestinians and Israelis. You should exercise extreme caution on these routes, particularly at night, and turn around if you see any signs of a disturbance.

There is a risk of increased tension around Jewish high holidays (Passover, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Succoth), during Ramadan, in particular Laylat Al Qadr (dates vary), Thursday evenings, after Friday prayers, Saturday evenings and on other religious holidays and anniversaries. This is heightened when different religious or national holidays overlap. Independence Day (14 May, Hebrew calendar dates vary), Jerusalem Day (date varies), Land Day (30 March) and Nakba Day (15 May) may be tense. Demonstrations and other forms of civil unrest can occur at short notice and often turn violent. You should exercise extreme caution: follow local media and this travel advice and avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings. See Safety and security

There are significant tensions between Israel, and the Assad regime and Iranian military forces in Syria. The situation remains fragile, with attempted and actual military exchanges either side of the border. If travelling in the area remain vigilant, follow advice from local authorities and stay informed of the security situation through the media and this travel advice.

There are also continued tensions between Israel and Lebanon. The situation on the ground could change quickly. See Border with Lebanon

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. Consular support is severely limited in parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Occupied Golan Heights where the FCDO has existing advice against all travel (see above).

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.