Tel Aviv - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Petty crime exists. I've heard of people getting their bikes/scooters stolen when chained up at the beach. - Jan 2022
This is an incredibly safe country with very low levels of petty crime. Your friends are family will probably hear about Israel/Iran/Gaza conflicts on the news and worry, but in day-to-day life you do not feel that tension whatsoever. Most apartments have "bomb shelters" in one of your rooms or closets, while some buildings have communal shelters. I have not felt unsafe for one second in our time in Israel. - Apr 2021
We feel very safe here. Other than occasional bike thefts, there is little petty crime, and I've never heard of any violent crime in our community during the time we've been here. The threat of terrorism is in the background, but I feel it less here than I do in DC. There is a lot of security everywhere. - Oct 2019
On the one hand, crime levels in Tel Aviv are relatively low. We felt safe walking around the city any time of day or night. On the other, terrorist attacks do occur. In the two years we lived there, there were several serious attacks within a few minutes walk of our house. Despite this, we generally felt safer than in DC. - Nov 2018
City smarts are required everywhere in the world. Terrorism is real in Israel, and knife attacks have occurred in broad daylight. That said, it’s very low for petty street crime. Lots of people are walking around well after midnight (that’s when all the bars open!) and it does not feel unsafe. Locks and alarms are essential in houses as there have been several reported break-ins. - Aug 2017
Crime is extremely low, but like any urban city there are certain areas you need to keep your wits about you. I'm pleasantly surprised that the beaches are relatively safe. I've never heard of someone getting their stuff stolen as most of the time you can ask a stranger to keep an eye out while you take a dip. The biggest risk may be from a renegade dog blowing sand all on your blanket! - Oct 2016
Just like being in any place important to be aware of your surroundings, but we feel totally safe walking at night and haven't had any issues, we have heard of some home robbing in the suburbs. - Jul 2016
YES! The crime rate is low in Tel Aviv, but you never know when violence from the Israel-Palestine conflict will escalate. What's been termed a "stabbing Intifada" has occurred over much of the last year with random stabbings and car rammings. Most attacks occurred in Jerusalem and the West Bank, but even the Tel Aviv area has witnessed acts of violence, including a bar being shot up. There are travel restrictions if you travel near Gaza; no one can enter Gaza. You are expected to inform the RSO in advance of visits from the Negav to Eilat region and the Golan. We can only visit Bethlehem and Jericho in the West Bank. All of these areas may be declared off limits at any time because of the local or neighboring security situation. - Apr 2016
Uhm... Yes. It's Israel. BUT the crime rates are quite low compared to other Western countries, and besides nowadays the chances of becoming a victim of a terrorist attack are higher in Paris, London or Brussels. The Israeli traffic is the most dangerous part, and even that is not as dangerous as it used to be. - Mar 2016
Hm. It's highly unlikely that you will be the victim of a mugging, home invasion or assault, but there's a reason the homes have 3 foot thick concrete bunkers. Also, the place is just always on the edge of something happening. - Nov 2014
Missile attacks are still a threat, as are bus bombings. That being said, there is nowhere else that I have lived where I have felt safe walking my dog late at night as I do here. - Apr 2013
None, danger pay for the embassy folk has been reduced and will probably be reduced until it's gone. Tel Aviv is like living in any normal big city. Locals joke about the next war,but the level of concern is the same as sitting in your home county and watching a war in someone else's country on CNN. - Aug 2010
Not at all - you get used to clearing security to do your grocery shopping, etc. - Jul 2010
Aside from the big-picture security concerns, Tel Aviv is a safe city where I don't worry about walking alone at night. Just like everywhere, take the usual precautions. - Feb 2009
Big question. Terrorist attacks are always in the back of people's minds here. However, in Tel Aviv nothing has happened in the time we have been here. Guards check bags at entrances to all restaurants, malls, concert halls, etc. Although they don't always appear to be with it, they apparently do serve as a deterrent. We feel very safe here and our children are very independent. - Sep 2008
It's not as bad as it used to be. - Jul 2008
