Israel’s Ministry of Tourism has shifted into emergency mode following the launch of Operation “Roaring Lion,” implementing measures to support displaced residents and assist international visitors seeking to leave the country.

The update comes in the wake of escalating regional tensions after Israel and the United States carried out air strikes in Iran on Feb. 28, prompting security concerns and travel disruptions across the region.

According to the ministry, approximately 37,400 tourists were in Israel as of Sunday morning. Since the beginning of the operation, about 700 visitors have departed the country.

Under the directive of Minister of Tourism Haim Katz, the ministry is working to help tourists who wish to leave Israel by arranging transportation to land border crossings. Officials are maintaining ongoing contact with the Israel Incoming Tour Operators Association, which is overseeing organized groups currently in the country.

In parallel, the ministry has been tasked with housing residents evacuated from their homes due to missile strikes. To date, more than 280 displaced individuals have been placed in hotels. The emergency accommodation framework, developed in advance and based on a broad inventory of available rooms, is operating in cooperation with the Israel Hotel Association.

Director General Michael Izhakov has also ordered reinforcement of the ministry’s 24/7 virtual information office. Since the start of the operation, roughly 500 inquiries have been addressed, many requiring direct human response from ministry staff.

The ministry says it remains in continuous contact with all sectors of the industry, including hoteliers, travel agents, tour guides and other operators, and is receiving up-to-date situational assessments regarding on-the-ground needs.

For information on land border crossings, the ministry has provided updated operating hours:

• Menachem Begin Crossing (Taba): Open 24/7
  • Yitzhak Rabin Crossing (Arava): Open 06:30–20:00
  • Allenby Bridge Terminal: Open 09:00–17:00, with tourist processing accepted until 14:30
  • Jordan River Crossing (Beit She’an): Open 08:30–17:00, with arrival permitted until 15:30

Officials are urging travellers to pay border fees in advance to reduce wait times and avoid congestion at payment counters. Visitors are also advised to arrive at land crossings at least two hours before official closing times. The direct link for fee payment (BorderPay) can be found here.

Emergency information for tourists, including access to the ministry’s virtual office, is available here. All details remain subject to last-minute changes, and travellers are encouraged to check for the latest updates on the Israel Airports Authority website.