Any budget travelers on the ground in Jerusalem/Tel Aviv now?

Feels fine, we are in Jerusalem and even did a day trip over to Bethlehem yesterday during all the friday troubles (which we didn't see other than an increased police presence around the old city before we left). Day to day I don't think anything has changed over here. It's not a problem, still lots of tourists.

How about the road suitation from King Hussein Bridge crossing to Jerusaleum, its 30km stretch and passes through the West Bank area and Jerico. I am currently in Amman, hope to travel to Jerusaleum through this route. Thanks!

Life goes on as usual in the rest of Israel - it is very different when you are there to when you see it on TV.

As for that road, as far as I am aware, it remains open, and is as safe as before.

Have a good trip.

Thanks for the prompt reply, will feedback the latest when i get there. ;)

Thanks for the responses.

How are those of you in Jerusalem getting around? All I've read says that public transportation and public transport terminals should be avoided.

Are you getting around by taxi instead?

How did you get to Bethlehem, Dragon22? A public bus?

I was in Israel all last week until Thursday night, returned yesterday. Was in Tel Aviv, Haifa and Akko. Took public transit everywhere. No problems or issues. A few friends were in Jerusalem at the same time, basically the same report, though security is on hightened alert so there were more guards and soldiers and there were some incidents of rock throwing in East Jerusalem neighbourhoods, I'm told. But all the sites were open and everyone was basically getting around as normal.

Of course it is important to monitor the situation and ask locals for updates wherever you're going to make sure that things don't change. But life was going on pretty much as normal there. Notwithstanding the fact that people were worried, and were discussing the situation much more than usual. And of course now with the ground offensive and reservists getting called up, people are concerned.

But from a budget travel context, no security issues to report in those areas.

#5 (NewMexican)

All I've read says that public transportation and public transport terminals should be avoided.

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Obviously, you have been reading the wrong stuff. :)
I live in Jerusalem, and it's 'business as usual' - and it has been this way for quite a long time now. Everyone uses public transport just like in any other city in the world.

I just did the crossing from Amman to Jerusalem via King Hussein Bridge and it took me all day. I left at 8:30am and didnt get to Jerusalem until 6pm. They held me up b/c I am a woman travelling on my own and had been to Syria so they detained me for a few hours. So if u have any other Arab stamps in your passport just expect a delay. I think they find euro's/americans who've been to arab countries a threat b/c they think we will have more empathy towards the Palestinians. AND the last thing they want is for you to visit the west bank or East Jerusalem and see how much they oppress the Palestinias and report it back to your friends at home(like I have!)

I'm coming to Israel in two weeks. Can anyone tell me: are there any independent hostels in the country?

Thanks