The major airport is Ben Gurion International Airport with a smaller civilian airport in Tel Aviv. There are also airports in Jerusalem, Haifa, Eilat, Herzlya, Mahanayim and Sodom. National airline El Al operates international flights to Europe, North America and some African countries.
Israel has a modern road system, although it abounds with crazy drivers. Road accidents have been on the increase in the last decade, due mainly to deteriorating road conditions. There are approximately three fatalities for every 100 million kilometers traveled. Emergency rule has been lifted in Batman, Bingol and Bitlis provinces.
Hassles with Police
Israel has strict security measures that can piss off visitors. Prolonged questioning and detailed searches take place at the time of entry and/or departure at all points of entry to Israel or the Occupied Territories. American citizens with Arab surnames can expect extra-close scrutiny at Ben Gurion Airport and the Allenby Bridge from Jordan. Cameras or video equipment are always suspect and items commonly carried by travelers-even toothpaste, shaving cream and cosmetics-may be confiscated or destroyed for security reasons, especially at the Allenby Bridge. During searches and questioning, access may be denied to U.S. consular officers, lawyers or family members. Should questions arise at the Allenby Bridge, U.S. citizens can telephone the U.S. consulate general in Jerusalem for assistance at [972] (02) 253-288. If questions arise at Ben Gurion Airport, U.S. citizens can phone the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv at [972] (03) 517-4338.
Broadcasting and the Press
Journalists are required to submit all relevant items to the censor's office for approval before transmitting them abroad or issuing them in the local media. The occupied territories are officially open to media coverage, but local commanders may close specific areas for a limited period "for operational reasons." Various measures were also enforced on newspapers in Israel and on foreign media correspondents, most of whom are Israeli citizens. The army has sometimes imposed news blackouts. The media has regularly complained about security forces personnel impersonating journalists in order to obtain information about the Palestinian intifada, and putting journalists' lives at risk.
Israel Television and Israel Radio are owned by the government and run by the Israel Broadcasting Authority (IBA). Its central committee members oversee programming. Israel TV broadcasts on one national channel in Hebrew and Arabic, funded by viewer license fees and, more recently, by commercial sponsorship.
Jerusalem Post
http://www.jpost.com
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