Despite the ongoing war in Gaza, Israel said it witnessed a 16.7% rise in arrivals from January through June over the same period in 2024, along with the resumption of flights and an expanding roster of hotels.
“Israel’s tourism industry has shown remarkable resilience and progress,” said Yoram Elgrabli, tourism commissioner for North America. “In July, the U.S. Department of State lowered the travel advisory for Israel from Level Four to Level Three – a meaningful step that underscores growing confidence in the destination.”
In air developments, on July 21, United resumed twice-daily flights from Newark International Airport to Tel Aviv. “United announced it will lower the cost of flights, making travel to Israel from the United States more accessible for the average traveler, and hopes to cut the cost of tickets again in September,” the Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) said.
Delta Air Lines, meanwhile, is set to resume service between JFK and Tel Aviv on Sept. 1.
On the hotel front, Fattal Hotel, which is believed to be Israel’s largest hotel group, is investing $440 million in eight properties throughout the country. Its Bazar Hotel in Jaffa made its debut in April 2025.
The hotel chain Isrotel is scheduled to debut the 44-room Kayma in the Dead Sea region. An opening date has not yet been announced.
Lastly, the actor Leonardo DiCaprio is partnering with Israeli business interests to open a luxury eco-hotel at the Herzliya Marina, which is approximately nine miles from Tel Aviv. “This hotel officially received the green light from the Tel Aviv District Planning and Building Committee to proceed with 365 rooms, in a 14-floor property,” the IMOT said.
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