Nope. I would only do this for family reasons — taking care of an ill parent or child, for example. The situation between Israel and Iran is unsettled; the situation between the US and Iran is unsettled; the situation between Israel and Gaza is an active, unpredictable conflict. None of this is consistent with a safe, pleasant, tourist visit.

A colleague was just stuck there during the 12 day war and spent a lot of money getting out on land and air routes. I wouldn't go until the situation with Iran is a little more solid.

Pass.

Hell no. I’ve been to Israel several times but I will never visit it again after seeing them wantonly murder and starve innocent children.

Your relatives are suffering from a sort of Dunning-Kruger Effect. The humble tourist who knows they know nothing would never go to Israel at this time. People with ties to the country who know everything are trying to avoid it right now. But people like your stupid relatives know just a little, that is, just enough to feel brave but not nearly enough to be wise.

Heck no.

The only people I know traveling to Israel right now are Israelis going back to help elderly relatives who are still living there. Even they are "get in, get out" mindset.

I have a few friends in Tel Aviv. They are pretty intrepid and moving on with life.

BUT, they have a community, knowledge of the area, and have lived a long time (the children, their entire life) knowing how to navigate strikes and being able to enter shelters on a second's notice. Your relatives will not have this advantage. I don't know if Israel even wants tourists now. I would not go.

OP,

It's very risky and they shouldn't go, but you can't stop them. In all probability, they will come home in one piece, and start boasting about their exploit. If they're the type to notch the number of countries they've visited... they hold a certain view of the world that's quite repulsive, but what can you do. Of course they're regular tourists, but nothing will persuade them otherwise.

Anonymous wrote:It is risky but chances are they will be fine. Israel's defense system is pretty good and the majority of citizens and people there survive the attacks so it is more than likely they will too unless they just happen to be the unlucky ones in the wrong place at the wrong time. People choose to do all kinds of risky things.

There is also the risk of airspace and airports closing again if the fighting picks up again

No.

You wouldn't say that of any other country at war. And make no mistake, Israel is currently at war.

No freaking way.

It is risky but chances are they will be fine. Israel's defense system is pretty good and the majority of citizens and people there survive the attacks so it is more than likely they will too unless they just happen to be the unlucky ones in the wrong place at the wrong time. People choose to do all kinds of risky things.

There is also the risk of airspace and airports closing again if the fighting picks up again

My sister's family regularly travels to Israel and cancelled a trip for next week. They are in Europe instead.

As a European, I have scoffed at the threads where Americans feared flying to Europe. Travel to Israel is FAR riskier: they've had deaths from missiles.

Only people who are familiar with the country, speak the language, with close family and/or business ties should go, because they will have a better sense of where to hide, and how to navigate emergencies.

Anyone else? extremely unwise.

Just hoping for a sense of how others feel as I am not well traveled overall.
My brother and SIL have had a trip to Israel planned for this July and they just told me that they are indeed going now that "the airport has opened". They have said that they will be careful but do not see the trip as especially risky. Brother and SIL have always been of the mindset 'we are not just regular tourists type' and it is true that they are very well traveled. But I am concerned and wonder what others think, although they are indeed going regardless. Is a trip to Israel in the next few weeks a good idea?