Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available. Travelers may visit the web site of the Israeli Ministry of Tourism for tourist information at http://www.goisrael.com/. Israel occupied the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights, and East Jerusalem as a result of the 1967 War. Pursuant to negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, the Palestinian Authority (PA) was established in the Gaza Strip and West Bank in 1994, although its authority is limited, especially in Gaza. Palestinian Authority security forces are responsible for keeping order in those areas, and the PA exercises a range of civil functions there. The division of responsibilities and jurisdiction in the West Bank between Israel and the PA is complex. Definitive information on entry, customs requirements, arrests, and other matters in the West Bank and Gaza is subject to change without prior notice or may not be available. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Israel.
