Israel
· IL

Israel

Israel

Journey Through Time and Tranquility: Discover Israel Israel, a land of ancient history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, beckons you to embark on an unforgettable journey. Here, the echoes of the past reso…

#Middle East#Mediterranean Sea#Jerusalem#Tel Aviv#Religious sites
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Israel.

Top Hotels in Tel Aviv

Top Flights to Tel Aviv

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Israel.

Tours

Old City of Jerusalem

Visit the historically significant city with its rich cultural and religious heritage.

Shopping

Carmel Market, Tel Aviv

The vibrant and bustling market in Tel Aviv known for its fresh produce and local delicacies.

Outdoor

The Dead Sea Experience

Float in the world-famous salt lake and enjoy a natural spa treatment.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers
Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Israel.

Currency
₪ | ILS | Israeli New Shekel
Population
Approximately 9.3 million
Languages
Hebrew, Arabic, English
Average weather
Israel
Jan
rain
17°8°
Feb
rain
18°9°
Mar
cloud
20°11°
Apr
sun
24°14°
May
sun
27°17°
Jun
hot
30°20°
Jul
hot
32°23°
Aug
hot
33°24°
Sep
sun
31°22°
Oct
clear
28°19°
Nov
cloud
23°15°
Dec
rain
19°11°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Israel.

What people love

Traveling to Israel has many advantages, including:

  1. Rich history and culture: Israel is a land with a deep historical and cultural significance, with numerous archaeological sites, religious landmarks, and museums to explore. From the ancient city of Jerusalem to the vibrant city of Tel Aviv, there is a wealth of cultural experiences to enjoy.

  2. Diverse landscapes: Israel offers a diverse range of landscapes, from the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean coast to the lush greenery of the Galilee region and the unique geological formations of the Negev Desert. Nature lovers will appreciate the variety of outdoor activities available, such as hiking, snorkeling, and birdwatching.

  3. Culinary delights: Israeli cuisine is a delicious fusion of flavors from the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Europe. From falafel and hummus to fresh seafood and gourmet restaurants, there is something to satisfy every palate. Food markets and street food vendors offer a taste of local flavors and culinary traditions.

  4. Warm hospitality: Israelis are known for their hospitality and friendliness towards visitors. Travelers can expect to be warmly welcomed and assisted by locals who are eager to share their culture and traditions with guests.

  5. Safety and security: Despite its location in a region with geopolitical challenges, Israel is considered a safe destination for travelers. The country has a strong security infrastructure in place to ensure the safety of tourists, and visitors can feel confident exploring its many attractions.

Overall, traveling to Israel offers a unique and enriching experience for visitors looking to immerse themselves in history, culture, nature, and cuisine.

What to know

Traveling to Israel, like any destination, has its cons. Some potential drawbacks of traveling to Israel include:

  1. Security Concerns: Israel has a complex political situation and is located in a region with ongoing conflicts. Travelers should stay informed about the current security situation and be prepared for heightened security measures.

  2. High Cost of Living: Israel is known for having a relatively high cost of living, especially in major cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Accommodation, dining, and transportation expenses can be quite expensive for travelers on a budget.

  3. Religious Sensitivities: Israel is a religiously and culturally diverse country with significant historical and religious sites. Travelers should be respectful of local customs, traditions, and sensitivities, particularly when visiting religious sites.

  4. Language Barrier: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages in Israel. Travelers who do not speak these languages may encounter communication challenges in some situations.

  5. Seasonal Weather Extremes: Israel has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Travelers should be prepared for high temperatures during the summer months and potential winter rainfall in some regions.

  6. Limited Public Transportation: While Israel has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, public transportation options may be limited in some areas. Renting a car or using taxis may be necessary to access certain destinations.

It's important for travelers to conduct thorough research and consider these factors before planning a trip to Israel.

The history of Israel is rich and complex, encompassing thousands of years and numerous significant events, historical figures, and landmarks. Below is a detailed overview:

Ancient History

  • Biblical Period: The history of Israel begins in the biblical narrative with the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. According to the Bible, the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt and later freed by Moses, who led them to the land of Canaan.
  • Kingdom of Israel and Judah: The united monarchy under Kings Saul, David, and Solomon marked a significant period, with Jerusalem established as the capital. The First Temple, built by Solomon, became a central place of worship.

Assyrian and Babylonian Conquests

  • 722 BCE: The northern kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrian Empire.
  • 586 BCE: The southern kingdom of Judah was conquered by the Babylonians, leading to the destruction of the First Temple and the Babylonian Exile.

Persian and Hellenistic Periods

  • 539 BCE: Cyrus the Great of Persia allowed the Jews to return and rebuild the Second Temple.
  • 332 BCE: Alexander the Great conquered the region, introducing Hellenistic culture.

Roman Rule and Second Temple Period

  • 63 BCE: Roman General Pompey captured Jerusalem, and the region came under Roman control. King Herod the Great, a Roman client king, significantly expanded the Second Temple.
  • 70 CE: The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans during the First Jewish-Roman War.
  • 135 CE: Following the Bar Kokhba Revolt, Jews were expelled from Jerusalem.

Byzantine and Islamic Caliphates

  • 4th Century CE: The region became part of the Byzantine Empire.
  • 7th Century CE: Conquered by Muslim Arab armies, leading to Islamic rule under various caliphates.

Crusader and Mamluk Periods

  • 1099: The First Crusade captured Jerusalem, leading to the establishment of the Crusader States.
  • 1291: The Mamluks defeated the Crusaders and controlled the region until the rise of the Ottoman Empire.

Ottoman Empire

  • 1517: The Ottomans took control, ruling until the early 20th century.

British Mandate and Modern Statehood

  • 1917: The Balfour Declaration expressed British support for a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine.
  • 1947: The UN proposed partitioning Palestine into Jewish and Arab states.
  • 1948: The State of Israel was declared on May 14, leading to the Arab-Israeli War. Israel emerged victorious, expanding its territory.

Significant Conflicts and Peace Efforts

  • 1967: The Six-Day War resulted in Israel capturing the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights, and Sinai Peninsula.
  • 1973: Yom Kippur War saw a surprise attack by Egypt and Syria but ended in a ceasefire.
  • 1978: Camp David Accords led to a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt.
  • 1993: The Oslo Accords marked significant progress towards peace with the Palestinians, establishing the Palestinian Authority.

Recent History

  • 2005: Israel unilaterally disengaged from the Gaza Strip.
  • 2020: The Abraham Accords resulted in normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, including the UAE and Bahrain.

Important Landmarks

  • Western Wall: A remnant of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, a sacred site for Jewish prayer.
  • Dome of the Rock: An Islamic shrine on the Temple Mount, significant to both Muslims and Jews.
  • Church of the Holy Sepulchre: Located in the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem, revered as the site of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.
  • Masada: An ancient fortress overlooking the Dead Sea, known for its historical siege by the Romans.

Notable Figures

  • David Ben-Gurion: Israel's first Prime Minister, a key figure in the founding of the state.
  • Golda Meir: One of the world's first female prime ministers, serving from 1969 to 1974.
  • Yitzhak Rabin: Prime Minister who signed the Oslo Accords, assassinated in 1995.
  • Benjamin Netanyahu: The longest-serving Prime Minister in Israeli history, known for his influence on modern Israeli politics.

This history reflects Israel's dynamic past and its ongoing significance in global affairs.