Safety in Israel is a common concern for expats. The security situation changed dramatically after October 2023, and escalated again in early 2026 when the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israeli cities, and the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon resumed in full. Ceasefires have been brokered at various stages, but the situation can change overnight.
Crime rates in Israel are relatively low compared to the US and most Western European countries, with minimal gun violence and a low risk of mugging. Expats who take sensible precautions and avoid conflict areas will find most of the country as livable as many other popular expat destinations.
Terrorism in Israel
Terrorism in Israel has long been a serious threat, and 7 October 2023 was a watershed: a Hamas-led attack on nearby communities killed around 1,200 people and saw approximately 250 taken as hostages.
There are several fronts: Hamas and allied factions in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and armed groups operating in the West Bank. Iran has launched large-scale missile and drone attacks directly at Israel on multiple occasions since 2024, and the two countries were engaged in open war from February 2026. Lone actor stabbings and vehicle-ramming attacks have occurred in urban areas, including Jerusalem.
The Israeli national security apparatus is among the most developed in the world. Heavily populated areas and tourist-frequented sites are closely guarded, and the visible security presence in public spaces is considered simply part of life.
Rocket attacks
There is a threat of rocket attacks in Israel on multiple fronts from Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. Ceasefires with Hamas and Hezbollah were brokered in 2024 and 2025, but none held for long. Fighting with Hezbollah resumed in early 2026 alongside the broader conflict with Iran, and northern Israel has again come under sustained rocket and drone fire. The situation can change quickly.
Expats should stay informed about the current state of affairs at all times and follow the safety advice of their national government.
Israel has invested heavily in countering rocket attacks. The Iron Dome air defence system claims a roughly 90 percent interception rate under typical conditions. Download the official Home Front Command (Pikud HaOref) app or the widely used third-party RedAlert app – both relay real-time alerts keyed to your location.
Conflict areas around Israel
The conflict areas around Israel centre on several key regions that most expats avoid altogether. Problematic areas include:
Gaza
The Gaza region, bordering Egypt and the Mediterranean, has been the epicentre of the most devastating conflict in the Israeli-Palestinian relationship in decades, and much of the territory has been razed to the ground.
Travel to Gaza is entirely off-limits to foreigners. Every major government strongly advises against travel to the territory.
West Bank
The West Bank has major historical and religious significance. Expats can travel there, although they will need to pass through Israeli military checkpoints. Israel has also been conducting large-scale military operations across the northern West Bank – particularly in Jenin and Tulkarm. Access to parts of the territory can be severely restricted at short notice.
Settlement construction has accelerated sharply in recent years, and confrontations between Israeli forces, settlers, and Palestinian residents are frequent – especially around Hebron and the Jordan Valley.
Expats travelling to Jerusalem should note that the eastern half of the city falls within the West Bank. Some governments advise their citizens to stay alert in East Jerusalem and the Old City, where protests and religious demonstrations are common.
Golan Heights
The Golan Heights came under Israeli control during the Six-Day War in 1967 and has been a contested territory ever since. Following the fall of Syria’s Assad government in December 2024, Israel moved troops into the previously UN-monitored buffer zone – a significant shift in the dynamics of the Golan Heights. Israeli officials have since indicated the military presence will be indefinite.
The border area with Syria is considered high risk and highly unpredictable. Travel advisories recommend against travel to the area.
Northern Israel
Northern Israel has been heavily affected by Hezbollah rocket and drone attacks since late 2023. A ceasefire took effect in November 2024, but it was frequently violated throughout 2025 and effectively collapsed in early 2026 amidst the broader conflict with Iran. Tens of thousands of residents have been displaced from border communities, and large parts of the north have come under sustained fire. The situation along the Lebanese border remains extremely volatile.
Most governments advise against travel near the Lebanese and Syrian borders. Check your national government’s latest travel advisory before visiting the north of the country.
General safety in Israel
What most expats discover is that general safety in Israel, at least in the major cities, compares favourably with other international hubs. Violent crime is low, locals generally treat visitors well, and cities like Tel Aviv carry on much as they always have. Security checks at shopping centres, transport hubs, and popular venues are routine – a feature, not a bug, of life here.
Keep an eye on valuables in public places such as beaches or parks, as petty theft and opportunistic crime do occur.
Expat women should be aware that social interactions in Israel can be shockingly direct, and some Israeli men may be forthright in their approach, particularly with foreigners. Communicating boundaries clearly tends to resolve unfamiliar situations.
Road safety in Israel
Road safety in Israel has deteriorated sharply in recent years. In 2024, over 430 people were killed on Israeli roads, and 2025 was worse still; nearly 460 fatalities made it the deadliest year in two decades. A chronically underfunded National Road Safety Authority, a police traffic division operating far below OECD enforcement standards, and widespread flouting of speed limits have all contributed to the problem.
Those unfamiliar with local driving culture would often be better served by public transport. Expats who do drive should take out appropriate insurance, especially in rural areas or near conflict zones.
Those driving into the desert should carry plenty of water and a mobile phone, inform others of their intended route before leaving, and stay on marked roads. Check the weather and road conditions before travelling, as the rainy season brings a real risk of flash floods.
The security situation in Israel is highly complex and can change suddenly. Expats travelling in and around Israel should ensure they stay up to date with the latest news, travel alerts and warnings from the Israeli government.