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current tensions and security threats

Replies: 46 - Last Post: Nov 20, 2012 10:36 PM Last Post By: emelio

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TheDharma

TheDharma avatar

Nov 14, 2012 2:11 PM
Posts:  7

current tensions and security threats

Hi all

I'm booked to arrive in Tel Aviv in 3 weeks but am a bit anxious about the escalating tensions with Hamas. For those of you living in Israel, what is your advice regarding security in the coming weeks? Are you/the local media anticipating conflict similar to that of 2008? I am planning on staying in the tourist zones (T.A, Haifa, Jerusalem, Eilat). It is a possibility to cancel if need be yet I am looking to gauge the situation before making a decision. Thanks

laketraveller

laketraveller avatar

Nov 14, 2012 2:34 PM
Posts:  5,467

1

I do not live in Israel, but do visit and can offer an opinion which I believe may be shared by the more knowledge group that follows.

Your concerns are understandable, but there is always tension in the part of the world. It is the normal there. If one were to wait until there was never any tension, threats or the possibility of an incident one would never go to the Middle East in general and Israel in particular.

Israel is a very safe country. There is an armed military presence throughout the country which can be slightly unnerving until you realize that is one of the reasons Israel is so safe.

My suggestion is you go as planned and have a great time.

I'm sure you'll be fine.

AirportInfo

AirportInfo avatar

Nov 14, 2012 6:17 PM
Posts:  232

2

I travel to Israel in end oct/ early nov to the tourist zones (T.A, Haifa, Jerusalem, Eilat). And continues to Egypt. During the 8 days stay in Israel, I find it very safe. No problems at all.

a1

a1 avatar

Nov 14, 2012 9:47 PM
Posts:  676

3

I agree with #1. The 'tourist trail' is nowhere near the current areas of tension. And it's very likely everything will 'blow over' by the time you arrive. Just come and enjoy yourself.

yarden

yarden avatar

Nov 14, 2012 10:01 PM
Posts:  269

4

If it doesnt inflame to a full blown conflict in the next 2 days it will most likely stay a limited one, with rockets falling in the usual places - Beér Sheve, Sderot, Ashkelon, Ashdod and the smaller communities around there.

In such case, you have no reason to fear, as Haifa, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem will feel none of the tension.

catw

catw avatar

Nov 14, 2012 11:19 PM
Posts:  1,490

5

Guy, no one can decide for you. There's a war, Israel army reservists have been called up and no one knows whether it will have ended or spread in three weeks from know. You have to decide for yourself whether you want to go or not, it's a personal decision.

amirico

amirico avatar

Nov 15, 2012 3:58 AM
Posts:  368

6

There are no guarantees but judging by past events, my assumption is that this round will be over by the time you get here.
Right now the fighting is limited to a 40km radius around the Gaza Strip. Non of the places that you plan on visiting are anywhere near that area.

alhaderech

alhaderech avatar

Nov 15, 2012 6:11 AM
Posts:  120

7

OH my goodness! A first....mark this day down. I actually agree with catw.

Right now there is no change in tourist areas. However, as much as normal life continues everyone is aware of what is going on so close to their present location. We do not know what tomorrow will bring. Personally, when I was going back and forth to Israel--I stayed. Nothing would ever make me change my plans.

TheDharma

TheDharma avatar

Nov 15, 2012 7:33 AM
Posts:  7

8

Thanks for the input everyone!

udina

udina avatar

Nov 15, 2012 7:45 AM
Posts:  102

9

Is there a risk that the border from Israel to the Westbank or Jordan is closed if the conflict in Gaza continues?
Have the tourist areas (Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Death Sea) been affected by the 2008 conflict?

catw

catw avatar

Nov 15, 2012 7:54 AM
Posts:  1,490

10

It is imposible to predict whether the Israeli army will forbid people from accessing the West Bank, they don't know themselves yet.

I see no reason why the border with Jordan would be closed, unless King Abdhallah is overthrown.

Tel Aviv is a target. Jerusalem and the Dead Sea are not for now,

Again: no one can predict what will happen.

catw

catw avatar

Nov 16, 2012 7:27 AM
Posts:  1,490

11

Well I was sorely mistaken... a rocket has just landed in Jerusalem.

amirico

amirico avatar

Nov 16, 2012 9:47 AM
Posts:  368

12

Actually, it landed near a palastinian village south of jerusalem...
In any case, the 2 sirens in tlv and the one in jerusalem are still a rarity and i still wouldn't change the above advice.

JonMW

JonMW avatar

Nov 16, 2012 10:51 AM
Posts:  997

13

What if one is scheduled to arrive in Israel Tuesday morning? Still go? I don't have plans to be anywhere near Gaza. Doesn't seem like anything will 'blow over' by then and actually looks like it could get worse based solely what I'm reading in the NY Times today.

Cheers.

Jon

laketraveller

laketraveller avatar

Nov 16, 2012 11:25 AM
Posts:  5,467

14

I'd go; but as alhaderech mentions in #7, I agree with #5 & #7.

But I wouldn't read the NYT. :-)
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