The U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem advises U.S. citizens to defer travel to Bethlehem and surrounding communities until further notice due to ongoing clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinian residents, and security incidents in and around Bethlehem. The Consulate General recommends U.S. citizens stay vigilant.
The security situation can change day to day, depending on the political situation, recent events, and geographic area. A rise in political tensions and violence in Jerusalem and the West Bank has resulted in injuries to and deaths of U.S. citizens.
The Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority both make considerable efforts to police major tourist attractions and ensure security in areas where foreigners frequently travel. Although these efforts to reduce the threat are not 100 percent effective, hundreds of thousands of U.S. citizens safely visit Israel and the West Bank each year for study, tourism, and business.
