Talking Points: Israel (August 25, 2016)

Talking Points – Israel

Copyright © 2016 – Travel Leaders Group LLC. All rights reserved.

The following Talking Points may be used in conversations with the media and clients when

discussing travel to Israel. (Updated August 25, 2016)

1. Due to ongoing tensions and the complex security environment within Israel and the

West Bank, the U.S. State Department has updated its longstanding Travel Warning.

However, there is no recommendation against travel to Israel.

2. All travelers, no matter what country they visit, can take precautions to help ensure

their safety and well-being. First and foremost: pack your common sense.

3. Safety is our top priority for our clients. We provide the facts so our clients can make

informed decisions about their travel plans.

Below you will find additional information, supporting material, and statistics supporting each

talking point.

1. Due to ongoing tensions and the complex security environment within Israel and the

West Bank, the U.S. State Department has updated its longstanding Travel Warning.

However, there is no recommendation against travel to Israel.

 On August 23, 2016, the U.S. State Department updated its longstanding Travel

Warning saying that “The security remains complex in Israel, the West Bank, and

Gaza and can change quickly depending on the political environment, recent events,

and geographic location. U.S. citizens should exercise caution and remain aware of

their surroundings when traveling to areas where there are heightened tensions and

security risks.”

o The Travel Warning states, “While Israel and Hamas continue to observe the

temporary cease-fire that ended the Gaza conflict in 2014, sporadic mortar or

rocket fire and corresponding Israeli military response continue to occur.”

 “While the frequency of attacks has abated significantly since April

2016, the possibility of random violence continues to exist and can

happen without warning. U.S. citizens should stay abreast of current

events and know what areas to avoid when traveling throughout the

region.”

 “Within Israel and the West Bank, a rise in political and religious

tension beginning in October 2015 led to a spike in violence in which

U.S. citizens were killed and wounded.”

 “There is no indication that U.S. citizens have been specifically

targeted based on their nationality. Perceived religious affiliation may

have been a factor in some of the attacks.”

o According to the U.S. State Department, “The Government of Israel and the

Palestinian Authority both make considerable efforts to police major tourist

attractions and ensure security, particularly in areas where foreigners

frequently travel.”

 The Department of State continues to strongly warn U.S. citizens against travel to

the Gaza Strip and urges those in Gaza to leave as soon as they are able; U.S.

government employees are not allowed to travel to Gaza.

o With the exception of Jericho, Bethlehem, and along Routes 1 and 90, U.S.

government employees are prohibited from personal travel within the West

Bank.

 Travelers should also be aware of the heightened state of alert maintained by Israeli

authorities along Israel’s border with Egypt. There have been cross-border incidents

from Egypt, including rocket attacks and ground incursions.

 U.S. citizens should consider the rules U.S. government employees must follow

when planning their travel:

o With the exception of Jericho and Bethlehem, U.S. government employees

are prohibited from personal travel to the West Bank.

o U.S. government employees are prohibited from using public and inter-city

buses (and associated bus terminals) throughout Israel and the West Bank.

 Major metropolitan areas in Israel, including Tel Aviv, continue to be popular

destinations for tourists and are similar to major cities around the world with regard to

personal safety. However, the State Department notes that U.S. citizens should:

o Maintain a high degree of situational awareness and exercise caution at all

times;

o Avoid demonstrations – which can turn violent – and steer clear of

neighborhoods where police have restricted access;

o Beware of and report unattended items or packages;

o Follow the instructions of security and emergency officials;

o Report suspicious activities or items to security officials; and

o Learn the location of the nearest bomb shelter or other hardened shelter.

 And also U.S. citizens planning their own travel should consider the rules that apply

to U.S. government employee travel, including:

o U.S. government employees are prohibited from personal travel into

Jerusalem’s Old City on Fridays during the Muslim month of Ramadan. The

U.S. government occasionally restricts travel for its employees to the Old City

based on the current security environment;

o U.S. government staff take additional security precautions when visiting

refugee camps and “seam areas” where Israelis and Palestinians intersect

and which have historically been flashpoints for violence. For example, sites

with significant religious meaning to multiple faiths can be subject to violent

protests or security incidents with little to no warning, especially on or around

significant religious holidays;

o U.S. government employees are prohibited from using public buses and

public bus terminals throughout Israel and the West Bank

2. All travelers, no matter what country they visit, can take precautions to help ensure

their safety and well-being. First and foremost: pack your common sense.

 If our clients are going to pack one thing, we’d strongly recommend it be common sense.

No matter what our clients’ age or destination, they should always use good common

sense when it comes to their personal safety, just as they would at home.

 To maximize safety and security while traveling in Israel or any other international

destination:

o Follow your instincts and avoid any areas or situations that seem as though they

could become dangerous.

o Stay in the well-known tourist areas of the cities.

o Know and respect the laws in the country you are visiting.

o Visit only legitimate businesses and tourist areas, and avoid areas where

prostitution and drug dealing might occur.

o Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member back home.

o Check with your cell phone provider prior to departure to see if your phone is

capable of roaming on GSM or 4G international networks.

o Do not display expensive looking jewelry, large amounts of money or other

valuable items.

o Make every attempt to travel during daylight hours, and stick to main roads.

 We recommend that U.S. citizens follow the advice of the State Department and register

their travel plans at https://step.state.gov. This will help the State Department contact

travelers if there is a family emergency in the U.S., or in the event an emergency

transpires in the place where the individual is traveling.

3. Safety is our top priority for our clients. We provide the facts so our clients can make

informed decisions about their travel plans.

 We closely monitor the U.S. Department of State website for travel alerts as well as the

more severe travel warnings for all destinations, including those that are most popular

with our clients.

 Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may

be planning to travel there so they can determine for themselves if they still wish to

travel.

 Also, should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination where a client is

currently located, we try to immediately contact the client to check on their well-being

and work to assist them if they require alternate travel arrangements.

 We make certain to work with a select group of travel partners who take the safety and

security of our clients as seriously as we do.