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International Parental Child Abduction > Country Information > Israel, the West Bank and Gaza International Parental Child Abduction Information
Updated to reflect the current security situation in Israel and the West Bank.
Do Not Travel To:
Reconsider Travel To:
Country Summary: Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel, the West Bank, and 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, and violence can occur in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza without warning. Increased regional tensions can cause airlines to cancel and/or curtail flights into and out of Israel.
Some areas have increased risk. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Israel and the West Bank, and Gaza.
Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
If you decide to travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza:
Gaza – Do Not Travel
Do not travel due to terrorism and armed conflict.
The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Gaza as U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling there. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continue to conduct military operations in Gaza against Hamas, a U.S. government-designated foreign terrorist organization, which was responsible for the October 7 attack on Israel. As a result of the armed conflict, the security environment within Gaza and on its borders is extremely dangerous and volatile. The pedestrian crossing (Erez Crossing) between Gaza and Israel was damaged on October 7 and remains closed, and the pedestrian crossing between Egypt and Gaza has been closed since May 7 and it is unknown when it will re-open. There are sporadic telecommunication and internet outages within Gaza further inhibiting the ability of residents to obtain information.
If a U.S. citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), or qualified immediate family member desires our assistance and has not already provided their information to the Department of State, please email U.S. Embassy Jerusalem at JerusalemACS@state.govwith a copy of the individual’s travel document as well as an explanation or proof of relationship.
Visit our website for Travel to High Risk Areas.
If you decide to travel to Gaza:
Please be sure to visit our website for How to Prepare for a Crisis for information that may be helpful.
Israel – Reconsider Travel (see below for specific advice on travel within 4 kilometers/2.4 miles of Lebanese and Syrian borders)
Reconsider travel due to terrorism and civil unrest.
The security situation remains unpredictable, and U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire and armed UAV intrusions, often take place without warning.
U.S. government employees in Israel under Chief of Mission security responsibility are currently restricted from personal travel to the following locations:
Any official travel of U.S. government personnel within these areas requires approval from the Embassy’s security office.
Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees under Chief of Mission security responsibility, with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.
Northern Israel (within 4 kilometers/2.5 miles of Lebanese and Syrian borders) – Do Not Travel
The Israeli authorities restrict travel to areas close to the border given the Israeli Defense Forces continued presence and activity.
U.S. government employees in Israel under Chief of Mission security responsibility are currently restricted from personal travel within 4 kilometers/2.25 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders. Any U.S. government travel to this restricted area requires Regional Security Office approval, and any travel close to the border is done in full coordination with Israeli security forces.
The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends that U.S. citizens do not travel within 4 kilometers/2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders.
West Bank – Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travel due to terrorism and civil unrest.
U.S. government travel throughout the West Bank is limited. U.S. government employees in Israel under Chief of Mission security responsibility are currently restricted from all personal travel to the West Bank, except:
Over the past several months, there has been an increase in settler violence, Israeli military operations, and terrorist attacks. Some incidents have resulted in injury or death of U.S. citizens.
Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees under Chief of Mission security responsibility with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.
Visit our website for Travel to High Risk Areas.
U.S. Embassy Jerusalem
14 David Flusser Street
Jerusalem 93392
Telephone: + (972) (2) 630-4000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: + (972) (2) 622-7230
Email: JerusalemACS@state.gov
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: JerusalemACS@state.gov
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: TelAvivACS@state.gov
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: MiddleEastIPCA@state.gov
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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