US State Dept travel site against Israeli drivers
Americans tourists concerned about Israeli drivers, pickpocketers, and thieves. They are also worried about security checks in Holy Land
Aggressive driving is a serious problem in Israel, and many Israeli drivers do not obey traffic laws – they don't keep a safe driving distance and don't signal before changing lanes or turning.
This is what the US State Department thinks about Israelis and Israeli drivers according to its updated guide on the State of Israel for the American tourist visiting the country.
The State Department continued: The Israeli driver tends to make sudden stops in the middle of the street without any forewarning, particularly in the right-hand lane. Drivers must exercise significant caution on Israel's roads, especially in light of the high number of traffic accidents that result in injury and the very congested streets, specifically in urban areas.
If until now, we thought Americans are mainly concerned about terrorism being carried out against its citizens while in Israel, now it turns out they are also worried about the Israeli driver.
The State Department also warns US citizens about crime levels in Israel. According to the department, there has been an increase in the number of car break-ins in Israel, a phenomenon most prevalent along the beach, the Dead Sea, and in national parks, particularly Caesarea National Park. US citizens are advised not to leave important documents or expensive belongings in their cars.
According to the US tourist information, there has also been a rise in pickpocketing against tourists in Israel in cities and cemeteries throughout the country.
The US State Department also cautions its citizens about the extensive security checks many travelers have to undergo in order to enter and exit the country, and warned that travelers' computers, cameras, or other electronic devices may be confiscated by Israeli authorities. The State Department notes that while equipment is most often returned to its owners, it may be damaged, destroyed, or lost.
