U.S. Eases Israel Travel Warning

For the first time in two years, the is not flatly telling Americans to avoid travel to Israel.

With terrorist incidents in decline, the department urged Americans only to "carefully weigh" the necessity of travel to Israel.

A flat-out warning not to go there was leveled by the State Department two years ago and remained in effect until the new travel statement replaced it.

Israeli officials were unhappy with the old warning. Tourism was already in decline because of suicide bombings, and Americans looking to their own government for advice were being told under all circumstances to stay away.

The statement Thursday warned Americans to defer unnecessary travel to the West Bank and to avoid Gaza entirely.

While terrorist attacks have declined, the potential for further violence remains high, the department said.

Resentment against efforts to promote peace and ongoing Israeli military operations on the West Bank and in Gaza could incite violence, the statement said.

The planned evacuation of Jewish settlers from Gaza this summer could prompt settler groups to hold demonstrations that could turn violent, the department said.

Without providing any details, the warning said the U.S. government has received information that indicates American "interests" within Israel could be the focus of terrorist attacks.

By Barry Schweid