safe to go to Israel now (July 2018)?

Just as safe as anywhere in Europe. The unrest is, like most times, in areas tourists don't go to.

If are not sure, you can take one day escorted tours to places like the Dead Sea, Masada, Bethlehem and so on. I used Rent-A-Gude for their small group tours and was very pleased.

Just be aware it will be exceedingly hot.

In addition to any responses you get here, look at the Israel forum on Trip Advisor, as that seems to be the busiest one online: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g293977-i1733-Israel.html

As you'll see, your question is a common one, and the answer from locals is the same as Frank II's.

I'm in Istanbul now - nearly everyone in Israel said I shouldn't go because it wasn't safe. Well, today I got ripped off by a taxi driver, mostly because I wasn't expecting it. Other than that, it's as safe as everyone in Israel thinks Israel is.

In July, in addition to looking carefully in all directions before crossing the street, take precautions against heat stroke. Sun hats, sun screen, and drinking lots of no-caffeine drinks - water is best. The Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee are both below sea level, so hotter than Jerusalem. The coast is about the same temps as Jerusalem but pretty humid.

Both Bethlehem and the Dead Sea are day trips from Jerusalem. Bethlehem really only needs a half day, there are buses and taxis that leave from the Damascus Gate of the Old City. For the Dead Sea you can rent a car or take a big bus tour or look for Abraham Hostel's day tour (it is just transportation, but all the sights can be done independently - there are audio guides and full explanations in English). There is plenty to see in Jerusalem, so allow at least 2 full days there in addition to any day trips. The only efficient way to visit the Galilee independently is with a rental car. Allow 3 days. You could take a car from Jerusalem, spend a full day at the dead Sea and overnight there, then drive through the Jordan Valley to Tiberias to begin your tour of the north. Sorry, but that doesn't leave you much (any?) time for the beach.

Go you will enjoy it very much. We were in Israel last year and back in 2012. A lot of history to see, 10 days may not be enough especially if you want to go to the beach. If you want add some additional days I would suggest a trip to Jordan, especially Petra. Have fun.

Just as safe as anywhere in Europe....

US State Department's threat level for Israel including the West Bank and Gaza is a "Level 2". Most of Europe is a "Level 1". They are areas that you may want to avoid. See:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/IsraeltheWestBankandGaza.html

Exercise increased caution in Israel due to terrorism. Some areas have
increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to:

Gaza due to terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict. Reconsider
travel to:

The West Bank due to terrorism, potentially violent civil unrest, and
the potential for armed conflict. Terrorist groups and lone-wolf
terrorists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel, the West
Bank, and Gaza. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning,
targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping
malls, and local government facilities. Violence can occur in
Jerusalem and the West Bank without warning.

Jerusalem: Violent clashes and terror attacks have occurred throughout
the city, including in the Old City. Acts of terrorism have resulted
in death and injury to bystanders, including U.S. citizens. During
periods of unrest, the Government of Israel may restrict access to and
within portions of Jerusalem.

The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S.
citizens in Gaza as U.S. government employees are prohibited from
traveling there.

U.S. government personnel can travel freely throughout Israel, except
throughout the West Bank and for areas close to the borders with Gaza,
Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt. Additionally, portions of Jerusalem are
occasionally placed off limits.

My 19 year old niece just returned from her Birthright trip to Israel two weeks ago and had the time of her life. She traveled on her own to/from NYC and had a blast.

As she felt secure about safety, I trust you and your husband can too. Have a wonderful time!

Hello!
My husband and I just returned from Israel two weeks ago and never felt unsafe! I would definitely go! It was an amazing trip for us :) If you need any more info then definitely PM.

Thanks so much to everyone who responded! I did go to the State Department's website and saw the 'threat level' but wasn't sure how to interpret it (since I don't know what the 'normal' threat level is. I am wary that it may be exceedingly hot but am itching to go somewhere great, because it's not often that we have a full month off. I would love to go for 3 weeks, however my husband is less of a traveler than I am and after 2 weeks, he's ready to be home. Does anyone have suggested itinerary 10 days (I guess it would be 12 if we include 1 day to get there and 1 day to return? (ex 3 days Jerusalem, 1 day Bethlehem, etc? ). I did want to add on a trip to Petra (since it seems to closeby) - again is that a 1 day tour? I have no idea. Any insight appreciated. THanks again!!!

Petra is indeed close to Israel, as the crow flies. However, you're not a crow, and the logistics of a Petra side trip on a short visit to Israel are surprisingly complicated and time-consuming. For starters, you can't drive an Israeli rental car into Jordan or vice versa. It's not like going from Seattle to Vancouver, or from San Diego to Tijuana.

If you have two weeks, you can do it, but it does take a few days just for the side trip. With only 10 days, it's probably not worth it.

If you go to the Jordan and Israel forums on Trip Advisor, you can learn all the details of what's involved.

Harold, thanks so much for the information. We'll eliminate this as a possibility unless we actually have Amman as a stopover enroute to Tel Aviv. Much appreciated, Brenda

US State Department's threat level for Israel including the West Bank
and Gaza is a "Level 2". Most of Europe is a "Level 1". They are areas
that you may want to avoid.

Ahhhhh, Edgar, a significant part of Western Europe is Level 2. That would include Spain, Italy, France, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, and the UK. Most of the old Soviet Block countries are Level 1, that would include Belarus, Bulgaria, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Romania, Albania, etc... Even Uzbekistan (and most of the "stan" countries) are Level 1.

I appreciate the State Department's efforts. No system is going to be perfect. If I were concerned about such things I would drill down and find out what factors contributed to the downgrading and just avoid those factors.

For instance, Ukraine is a 2, but the eastern border is probably the equivalent of a 4 and Crimea at least a 3. Just stay in Kyiv or west and it's about as safe as safe can be.

https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/NEWTravelAssets/pdfs/Travel%20Advisory%20Country%20List%20Alphabetical%201-18-18%20VERT.pdf

Thank you for your perspective on travel alerts as I have no perspective on relative risk compared to other countries. I am now completely convinced to go to Israel - now the challenge is to find a dogsitter for our 85 pound dog! We have one that may be available, but only for 9 days. I don't think 9 days is enough given we it's something like 10 hours flight time (and given lay-over plus time in the airport, more like 14-20 hours one way.) We will definitely go to Israel , hopefully later this year. Now I have to find a vacation that can fit into 9 days total. I love my dog but he really limits us sometimes!!!

A great big THANK YOU to everyone who commented - we will use this when we plan our trip, it just won't be in July. (arrgh)

Have a blast. Ive only been once, but it was memorable....

One idea, if you go to Israel, you might consider pairing it with a European country with rich Jewish heritage. Sort of two sides of the coin. I would do the European country first to learn of the suffering and then Israel to see the light. I'm sure there are a lot of places that would work. One i am way too familiar with is Budapest which took some of the heaviest carnage of the holocaust and still has most of what was still standing and a growing rebirth of Judaism. There are fairly cheap non-stop connections that take about 3 hours.

JamesE said "...and Crimea at least a 3."
:-) I understand no system is perfect — but evaluating perceived threats based on personal biases rather than personal experiences is not even much of a system :-)

Personal bias? U.S. State Department Advisory sounds a bit ominous to me?

Crimea

There is extensive Russian Federation military presence in Crimea as
part of Russia’s occupation and attempted annexation of this part of
Ukraine, which the international community, including the United
States and Ukraine, does not recognize. There are continuing abuses
against and arbitrary imprisonment of foreigners and the local
population by the occupation authorities in Crimea, particularly
abuses against individuals who are seen as challenging Russian
authority on the peninsula.

The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S.
citizens traveling in Crimea as U.S. government employees are
prohibited from traveling to Crimea.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Donetsk and Luhansk

Russia-led forces continue to control areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk
oblasts, where the ongoing armed conflict has resulted in over 10,000
deaths. Individuals, including U.S. citizens, have been threatened,
detained, or kidnapped for hours or days after being stopped at
checkpoints controlled by Russia-led forces.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services
to U.S. citizens traveling in Donetsk or Luhansk since U.S. government
employees are restricted from traveling to the eastern parts of the
Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts and to adjacent regions.

Since the State Department refers them as High Risk Areas, i suspect if they were countries they would be a 4 on their scale. Still, keep a little real estate between you and the affected areas and I the State Department calls the country as a whole as pretty safe.

Since i have dragged us off on this tangent, given that I suspect that the vast majority of RS folks are Straight WASPs and since I suspect that the ratings are sort of Straight WASP centered, if you don't fall into that category it might be useful to do a bit of additional research if you have concerns. Here are a couple of sources:

For Gays: https://blog.tortugabackpacks.com/lgbtq-travel-best-worst-countries/
For Blacks: http://atlantablackstar.com/2014/01/08/8-worst-countries-black-people-travel/2/

I have either visited myself, or met those that have, or am fortunate enough to work with people from some of the places that didnt fare well in the analysis referenced above. All my experiences have been very good. But it all comes down to personal risk assessment vs social conscience vs interest. No matter what decision you come to; its all good.

Looks like Europe is getting less safe. Here's a graphic look at the worldwide US State Department travel advisories:
https://travelmaps.state.gov/TSGMap/

Much of Europe is now colored in Yellow: "Exercise Increased Caution"

Israel, Egypt and the Ukrane are Yellow with hatching: "Exercise Increased Caution - Contains Areas with Higher Security Risk"

Russia and Turkey are Orange with hatching: "Reconsider Travel - Contains Areas with Higher Security Risk"

My most recent European travels were colored by visiting "Exercise Normal Precaution" countires of Austria, Finland, Switzerland and next year's visit to Norway. Those countires make Europe feel like a safe place for holiday travel.

My risk adversness is use common sense and avoid "Areas with Higher Security Risk". In the words of Hill Street Blues Sergeant Esterhaus: "Let's be careful out there."

Edger,
So the chart is

GREEN Exercise Normal Precaution
YELLOW Exercise Increased Caution
ORANGE Reconsider Travel
RED Do Not Travel

Every country in Western Europe is YELLOW; except
Ireland,
Switzerland,
Netherlands,
Greece,
Sweden,
Portugal,
Austria
Norway

Its is interesting that most of the old Soviet Bloc countries are GREEN

The few exceptions are:

*Russia is ORANGE and even then it’s marked with places of increased risk. But ranked no worse than Pakistan.

Turkey is ORANGE with areas of increased risk. That’s really contrary to my impression. Wonderful country.

Ukraine I suspect is YELLOW due in part to the ongoing attempts of foreign assassins to kill Russian dissidents in exile in Ukraine. Three was a real interesting case in the news about a week ago. When a car blows up, innocent bystanders get hurt. There are also areas of increased risk most likely being in the areas of Russian Invasion/Occupation. Makes sense to me.

Azerbaijan is YELLOW with areas of higher risk, probably owing to its ongoing border dispute with Armenia and maybe an extremist group that requires occasional subduing. Interesting note, Azerbaijan has the largest Jewish city outside of Israel; and trades heavily with Israel.

Kosovo is YELLOW with areas of higher risk probably due to the tensions with Serbia.

Albania is YELLOW with areas of higher risk i suspect due to organized crime.

Moldova is GREEN with areas of increased risk being I imagine the areas of Russian Invasion/Occupation. Although recent political issues resulting from, I believe, outside election tampering might make the State Department reconsider.

Georgia is also GREEN with areas of increased risk, those probably being in the areas of Russian Invasion/Occupation.

Armenia also GREEN with areas of increased risk probably owing to its ongoing border dispute with Azerbaijan*

Note that following that kind of assessment system the USA would also be YELLOW.

The UK advice for the USA includes:

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in the USA. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.

K, constructive, thank you.

Marco, the full quote is:

Around 3.8 million British nationals visit the United States every
year. Most visits are trouble free. Take out comprehensive travel and
medical insurance before you travel.

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in the USA.
Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by
foreigners. You should monitor media reports and remain vigilant at
all times.

And, unfortunately, its absolutely true.

But you point out a useful resource. Some of the countries that didn’t fare well with the US State Department are listed below https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Russia:

due to heightened political tensions between the UK and Russia, you
should be aware of the possibility of anti-British sentiment or
harassment at this time. If you’re currently in Russia or due to
travel in the coming weeks, you’re advised to remain vigilant, avoid
any protests or demonstrations and avoid commenting publicly on
political developments. While the British Embassy in Moscow is not
aware of any increased difficulties for British people travelling in
Russia at this time, you should follow the security and political
situation closely and keep up to date with this travel advice. You may
wish to sign up for our email alerts to be notified of any updates.

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Russia

(the site did provide a useful map that showed the areas of heightened risk; mostly the Russian invasion fronts)

France

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in France. Due
to ongoing threats to France by Islamist terrorist groups, and recent
French military intervention against Daesh (formerly referred to as
ISIL), the French government has warned the public to be especially
vigilant and has reinforced its security measures. Check the French
government’s advice about what to do if a terrorist attack occurs.

Israel

Well, its too long for here, but very interesting and with a map of the most troubled areas: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/israel

Israel is as safe now as it has ever been, and I say that as someone who has been there 8-10 times over 50+ years. My biggest fear there is always just getting lost and inadvertently wandering into an unsafe area. So we do our best to have our route carefully planned out.

If you're going anywhere in the west bank (like Bethlehem), though, you might want to hire a local guide who knows which roads to take and how to spot any trouble in the making.

We returned from Israel a couple of weeks ago and it was a fantastic trip, primarily due to the use of a local guide. You can make 9 days seem like 19 when you have someone local to help you out. We were absolutely exhausted after four jam-packed days, but it was worth it.

It is a very long trip for a short visit, though. From the time we left our hotel in Jerusalem to arriving home in Atlanta, it was about 23 hours of travel time.
Please contact me by private message if you'd like more info on the guide we used.

Its a long trip on its own, but if you pair it with a location in Europe with non-stop connections, it can make a good visit. For instance, one way is $60 to $160 depending on the date and carrier (Wizz or El Al).