Hiking in Israel - Permits & Permissions - NEW

When hiking in Israel there are a few rules you must obey, that differ from other country: There is no need for a permit here when hiking and you can basically hike wherever you like, be it on a marked trail of course. When hiking in nature reserves, it is forbidden to hike at night. When hiking in nature reserves, it is mandatory to sleep in pre-determined spots, called night lots. While hiking in Israel you may come close to military training zones, especially in the south of Israel, and you will need to acquire permission from the IDF army for a certain section/sections of the hike.     There are two main areas you will need to co-ordinate your hike with the IDF: The south of Israel, Negev area, and, if you are heading up to the north of Israel , the Hermon Mountain region. Before you start walking the selected trail, and it is better done a couple days ahead, call the IDF southern command phone and tell them about your planned hike and ask if there are any limitations you must be aware of. Most of the times, they will tell you right off the bat, if you can hike freely or if there is a zone you may not enter at that time. The phones to get info and permissions are: Hermon Mountain Region: 04-6966203 Southern Command: 08-9902926 Backpacking in Israel The cross-Israel Trail. Backpacker Hostels Israel Food Places Israel Hikers Pictures Forum