Israel

The State of Israel is a parliamentary democracy with a modern economy. In 1994, negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians led to the creation of the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank and Gaza. In the West Bank, there is a division of responsibilities between the government of Israel and the PA that is complex and subject to change. PA security forces are responsible for keeping order in those areas where the PA exercises security functions. In Gaza, Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, violently took control in 2007 and exercises de facto control there. Tourist facilities are widely available with certain exceptions, particularly in Gaza. Travelers may visit the websites of the Israeli Ministry of Tourism and the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism for tourist information. Read the Department of State Fact Sheet on Israel for additional information. Information about embassies and consulates in surrounding countries is available at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates. Official guidance on entry, customs requirements, arrests, and other matters in the West Bank and Gaza is subject to change without prior notice.