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International Parental Child Abduction > Location Information > Israel, the West Bank and Gaza International Parental Child Abduction Information
Reissued Statement
There were no changes to the Travel Advisory Level. The health risk indicator was added for Gaza. Advisory summary was updated to reflect that family members may travel to Israel.
Reconsider Travel to Israel due to terrorism and unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Advisory summary
As of August 26, 2026, family members may join U.S. government employees who work in Israel.
U.S. government employee travel restrictions
U.S. government employees working in Israel are restricted from the following locations due to safety risks:
Any official travel of U.S. government personnel within these areas requires approval from the U.S. embassy’s security office.
Additional movement restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees working in Israel, with little to no notice, due to increased security issues or threats.
Terrorism
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Israel. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Unrest
The security environment in Israel is complex and can change quickly. Violence can occur without warning. Increased regional tensions can cause airlines to cancel or limit flights into and out of Israel.
Risks in specific areas
Level 4 – Do Not Travel
Areas north of Route 85 to Route 90 (south) to Route 87
Do Not Travel to areas north of Route 85 to Route 90 (south) to Route 87 due to armed conflict.
The Israeli authorities restrict travel to areas north of Route 85 to Route 90 (south) to Route 87 due to Israeli Defense Forces presence and activity. Do not travel to this area for any reason.
U.S. government employees working in Israel are not allowed to travel to areas north of Route 85 to Route 90 (south) to Route 87. Any official travel of U.S. government personnel within these areas requires approval from the U.S. embassy’s security office.
Within 11.3 kilometers/7 miles of the Gaza Strip
Do Not Travel within 11.3 kilometers/7 miles of the Gaza Strip due to armed conflict.
Within 2.4 kilometers/1.5 miles of the Israel-Egypt border
Do Not Travel within 2.4 kilometers/1.5 miles of the Israel-Egypt border, except at the area of the Taba border crossing, also known as the Menachem Begin crossing, due to armed conflict.
If you decide to travel to Israel:
Reconsider Travel to West Bank due to terrorism and unrest.
Advisory summary
U.S. government employee travel restrictions
U.S. government employees working in Israel must obtain special authorization for official travel to the West Bank due to safety risks.
U.S. government employees working in Israel and their family members are currently restricted from all personal travel to the West Bank, except:
Due to increased security threats, additional movement restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees working in Israel, with little to no notice.
Terrorism
During the last year, there has been an increase in terrorist attacks in the West Bank.
There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in West Bank. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Unrest
During the last year, there has been an increase in violence and Israeli military operations in the West Bank. Some incidents have resulted in injury or the death of U.S. citizens.
During periods of unrest, the Israeli government may restrict access to and within the West Bank. Some areas may be placed under curfew.
If you decide to travel to the West Bank:
Do Not Travel to Gaza due to terrorism, unrest, and limited health infrastructure.
Advisory Summary:
Restrictions on U.S. Government Personnel Movement
U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to Gaza for any reason due to safety risks. The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Gaza.
Terrorism
Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists, and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and local government facilities. The security environment is complex and can change quickly.
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Gaza. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Unrest
The security environment within Gaza and on its borders is extremely dangerous and volatile.
If you are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) that needs our assistance, and you have not already provided your information to the Department of State, please email U.S. Embassy Jerusalem at [email protected].
Health
Emergency and intensive care facilities are limited in Gaza. Hospitals and clinics lack basic resources.
For U.S. citizens in Gaza:
U.S. Embassy Jerusalem
14 David Flusser Street
Jerusalem 93392
Telephone: + (972) (2) 630-4000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: + (972) (2) 622-7230
Email: [email protected]
Contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem for information and assistance in Jerusalem, the West Bank, Gaza (including the Erez Crossing), and the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge border crossing between Jordan and the West Bank.
U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs
18 Agron Road
Jerusalem 9419003
Telephone: + (972) (2) 630-4000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: + (972) (2) 622-7230
Email: [email protected]
U.S. Embassy Jerusalem Branch Office Tel Aviv
71 HaYarkon Street
Tel Aviv Israel 63903
Telephone: + (972) (3) 519-7575
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: + (972) (3) 519-7551
Email: [email protected]
Contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv for information and assistance in Israel outside of Jerusalem, and the northern (Sheikh Hussein) and southern (Yitzhak Rabin) border crossings connecting Israel and Jordan, and the border crossings between Israel and Egypt.
Israel and the United States have been treaty partners under the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention) since December 1, 1991.
For information concerning travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, including information about the location of the U.S. Embassy, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, entry/exit requirements, safety and security, crime, medical facilities and health information, traffic safety, road conditions and aviation safety, please see country information for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.
The U.S. Department of State reports statistics and compliance information for individual countries in the Annual Report on International Child Abduction. The report is located here.
The U.S. Department of State serves as the U.S. Central Authority (USCA) for the Hague Abduction Convention. In this capacity, the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate for Overseas Citizens Services, Office of Children's Issues facilitates the submission of applications under the Hague Abduction Convention for the return of, or access to, children located in countries that are U.S. treaty partners, including Israel. Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of State for assistance prior to initiating the Hague process directly with the foreign Central Authority.
Contact information:
U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children's
CA/OCS/CI
SA-17, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20522-1709
Telephone: 1-888-407-4747
Website: travel.state.gov
The Israel Central Authority (ICA) for the Hague Abduction Convention is the Ministry of Justice, Office of the State Attorney. The ICA has an administrative role in processing Hague Abduction Convention applications. For example, the ICA will ensure that all the required documents are submitted and make additional inquiries if necessary. The ICA can be reached at:
Ministry of Justice
Office of the State Attorney
Department of International Affairs
7 Mahal Street, Ma'alot Dafna
PO Box 94123
Jerusalem 97765
Tel: +972-2-541-9614/9613
Fax:+972-2-541-9644/9645
Website: https://www.gov.il/en/Departments/Guides/international-dep-child-abduction
To initiate a Hague case for return of, or access to, a child in Israel, an applicant parent must submit a Hague application to the ICA. The USCA is available to answer questions about the Hague application process, to forward a completed application to the ICA, and to subsequently monitor its progress through the foreign administrative and legal processes.
There are no fees for filing Hague applications with either the U.S. or the Israeli central authorities. Attorney fees are the responsibility of the applicant parent. Israel can provide legal aid to applicants who can provide proof that they qualify for such aid in their own jurisdiction. Additional costs may include airplane tickets for court appearances and for the return of the child, if so ordered.
A parent or legal guardian may file an application under the Hague Abduction Convention for return to the United States of a child abducted to, or wrongfully retained in Israel. The U.S. Department of State can assist parents living in the United States to understand whether the Convention is an available civil remedy and can provide information on the process for submitting a Hague application.
The Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate for Overseas Citizens Services, Office of Children's Issues provides assistance in cases of international parental child abduction in countries where the Hague Abduction Convention is not an available remedy. For U.S. citizen parents whose children have been wrongfully removed to or retained in countries that are not U.S. partners under the Hague Abduction Convention, the Office of Children's Issues can provide information and resources about country-specific options for pursuing the return of or access to an abducted child. The Office of Children's Issues may also coordinate with appropriate foreign and U.S. government authorities about the welfare of abducted U.S. citizen children. Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of State for assistance.
Contact information:
U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children's
CA/OCS/CI
SA-17, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20522-1709
Telephone: 1-888-407-4747
Fax: 202-485-6221
Email: [email protected]
Website: travel.state.gov
Parents who have a child who has been removed to or retained outside the United States in the West Bank or Gaza are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances.
Parents may wish to consult with an attorney to learn more about how filing criminal charges may impact a custody case in the local court. Please see Pressing Criminal Charges for additional information.
A person may file an application under the Hague Abduction Convention for access to a child living in Israel. The criteria for acceptance of a Hague access application vary from country to country. The U.S. Department of State can assist parents living in the United States to understand country-specific criteria and provide information on the process for submitting a Hague application.
Parents who are seeking access to children who were wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States in the West Bank or Gaza should contact the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem for information and possible assistance.
Applicant parents or guardians are required to retain the services of an attorney in order to forward their Hague petition to the appropriate Israeli court and are responsible for all legal fees. Applicants who are unable to pay for an attorney may apply for Israeli legal aid.
The U.S. Embassy posts a list of attorneys in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, including those who specialize in family law.
This list is provided as a courtesy service only and does not constitute an endorsement of any individual attorney. The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the following persons or firms. Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly by the lawyers.
Under Israeli law, the Family Court can refer pending cases, including Hague Abduction Convention cases, to certified family mediators who are listed in the court's roster. These mediators are required to be experienced social workers, psychologists, or lawyers who have attended special training in family mediation. However, there are no mediation programs established specifically to deal with Hague Abduction Convention cases.
An official mediation service is also provided in the Family Court, within the framework of the Court's assistance units. This service is staffed by social workers and psychologists who have expertise in difficult cases and experience in mediation. Cases under the Hague Abduction Convention can be referred to these assistance units by the Family Court. Mediation can also be sought to resolve access arrangements pending the hearing of the return application.
Israeli courts may recognize a mediated agreement, which can have the same effect as a court decision. The court must ensure that the mediation process is conducted in accordance with the Court Mediation Regulations and that the mediated agreement is in the best interests of the child.
There are no independent mediation services in the West Bank. All mediation services operate within the court structure.
While travelling in a foreign country, you are subject to the laws of that country. It is important for parents to understand that, although a left-behind parent in the United States may have custody or visitation rights pursuant to a U.S. custody order, that order may not be valid and enforceable in the country in which the child is located. For this reason, we strongly encourage you to speak to a local attorney if planning to remove a child from a foreign country without the consent of the other parent. Attempts to remove your child to the United States may:
The U.S. government cannot interfere with another country’s court or law enforcement system.
To understand the legal effect of a U.S. order in a foreign country, a parent should consult with a local attorney in the country in which the child is located.
For information about hiring an attorney abroad, see our section on Retaining a Foreign Attorney.
Although we cannot recommend an attorney to you, most U.S. Embassies have lists of attorneys available online. Please visit the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for a full listing.
For more information on consular assistance for U.S. citizens arrested abroad, please see our website.
Country officers are available to speak with you Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For assistance with an abduction in progress or any emergency situation that occurs after normal business hours, on weekends, or federal holidays, please call toll free at 1-888-407-4747. See all contact information.
DISCLAIMER: The information in this flyer is provided for general information only, is not intended to be legal advice, and may change without notice. Questions involving interpretation of law should be addressed to an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.
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