GOV.UK
Foreign travel advice
The Occupied Palestinian Territories
Terrorism
This travel advice covers Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners, and on public transport.
Heightened tensions, brought about by rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel and Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, increase the risk of retaliatory terrorist attacks in Israel. British nationals are encouraged to remain vigilant at all times.
- on 21 July 2017, three Israelis were killed during a stabbing attack in the Halamish settlement in the West Bank
- on 14 July 2017, two Israeli police officers were fatally shot during an attack at Haram al Sharif/Temple Mount
- on 23 April 2017, there was a stabbing incident near Atarim Square in central Tel Aviv. Four Israeli nationals were injured
- on 14 April 2017, a British national was killed during a stabbing attack on the light rail system between Damascus Gate and City Hall.
- on 8 January 2017, a lorry was driven into a group of Israeli soldiers on the Armon Hanatziv promenade in Jerusalem killing four and injuring many others.
- in January and June 2016, there were firearms attacks in central Tel Aviv killing and injuring bystanders.
- in October 2016, there was a fatal shooting attack at the Ammunition Hill light rail station in Jerusalem in which two people were killed.
- in April 2016 an explosive device was detonated on a bus in South Jerusalem injuring passengers and bystanders.
- in March 2016, one person was killed and nine others were injured in a knife attack on the seafront of Jaffa, south of Tel Aviv.
There is a threat of rockets being fired into Israeli territory by extremists in the Gaza Strip and Egypt and a threat of rocket attacks, artillery or small arms fire along the border areas with Lebanon and Syria.
Be vigilant, monitor media reports and keep up to date with travel advice. Make sure you are familiar with contact details for the emergency services (in Israel - dial 100; in the West Bank and Gaza - dial 101).
There is considered to be a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time.
Find out more about the global threat from terrorism, how to minimise your risk and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack.
Kidnap
There is a risk of kidnap in Gaza and along the border with Egypt. The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.