Israeli gang wars prompt US State Dept travel warning

The travel warning also cites assault by Jewish settlers and IDF troops on protestors.

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"The US State Department has issued a travel warning for Israel, due to criminal activities by organized crime within the country. This is the first time that the State Department has mentioned organized crime in Israel as a factor liable to jeopardize tourists or other foreign residents traveling in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.
As usual, the bulk of the travel warning concerns potential risks from Palestinian terrorism, but it also warns about the risk of assault by Jewish settlers and IDF troops against participants in demonstrations and protests. This warning is fairly new.

The travel warning appears on the State Department website alongside similar warnings about other countries. These warnings are periodically updated, with the warning for Israel last updated on February 27.

The section referring to organized crime in Israel states, “"Violent confrontation between organized criminal elements has led to the death and injury of innocent bystanders in incidents throughout Israel, including an October 26, 2005 incident in which a bomb destroyed a Tel Aviv apartment building, killing three people and wounding 5. Such incidents in the past have involved the use of bombs, grenades, anti-tank missiles, and small arms fire, and have taken place in Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Ramle, Acre, Hadera, Arad, and the Galilee."

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"The State Department warns against participating in demonstrations, saying, “In recent months, citizens of Western nations, including Americans, involved in pro-Palestinian volunteer efforts were assaulted and injured in the Occupied Territories by Israeli settlers and harassed by the IDF. Those taking part in demonstrations, non-violent resistance, and “direct action”, are advised to cease such activity for their own safety.”

http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/DocView.asp?did=1000066747&fid=1725