============================== ISRAEL ============================== Israel occupies a long narrow stretch of land in the southeast of the Mediterranean. Its eastern boundary is formed by the River Jordan flowing into the Dead Sea. The south of the country is made up of a triangular wedge of the Negev Desert which ends at the Gulf of Aqaba. The climate in summer is hot and dry, in winter it is mild with some rain. Most of the population live on the coastal plain bordering the Mediterranean, where Tel Aviv-Jaffa is the main commercial city. It is virtually self-sufficient in foodstuffs and a major exporter of its produce. Main exports include finished diamonds, textiles, fruit, vegetables, chemicals, machinery and fertilizers. Area (Sq. Km.): 29,324 Population: 4,585,000 Capital: Jerusalem Language: Hebrew Arabic Religion: Jewish 83% Moslem 13% Government Type: Republic Currency: Shekel Embassy: 2 Palace Green London W8 4QB 0171-937-8050 Time: GMT+2 Electricity: 220vAC Health: Typhoid and Polio precautions are advisable. National Airline: El Al Daily flights to Heathrow Also many charter flights. International airport is Tel Aviv Principal passenger ports: Haifa and Ashdod Places of interest: Bethlehem Nazareth The Negev desert Jerusalem Tel Aviv Galilee Haifa Museum of Jerusalem (housing the Dead Sea Scrolls) British tour operators: Thomsons Kuoni Bales More information: Israel Tourist Office, 18, Great Marlborough St, London W1V 1AF 0171-434-3651 «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Foreign Office Advice: There are no special problems in the main towns and tourist areas. Travellers to the occupied territories, including the newly autonomous area of Jericho and Gaza should note that tension and confrontation persist. There is no direct threat to visitors, but disturbances and responsive security measures could affect tourists. Risks are minimized by using well established and experienced tour operators or taxi drivers with local knowledge. Although there have been recent terrorist incidents in various parts of Israel, including shootings and bombings, there have been no direct attacks on foreigners or threats against tourists. All visitors should keep in touch with local events in Israel and the Occupied Territories, and contact the British Consulates in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem if they need advice. The Consulate-General, Jerusalem, will on request register the names of visitors passing through their consular area. For more information ring: Foreign Office Travel Unit 0171-270-4129