Israel

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs in Israel are severe; convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Cannabis is illegal in Israel, but since 1 April 2022 possessing or using it for your own consumption is normally handled as an administrative offence with a fixed fine - 500 shekels for possession, or 1,000 shekels for using it in a public place - instead of prosecution. It is still an offence: paying the fine is not a conviction, but a prosecutor can decide to bring charges instead, and the fine track does not apply to soldiers, certain police and prison-service personnel, or prisoners. There is no legal way for a visitor to buy cannabis, the medical programme runs through Israeli specialist doctors, and bringing cannabis into the country is a separate and far more serious offence that is banned outright in airports and at border crossings.

Possession for your own use normally draws a fixed administrative fine of 500 shekels; using cannabis in a public place draws 1,000 shekels, and a public place includes a motor vehicle and anywhere visible from a public place. Paying the fine is not a criminal conviction, but the conduct remains an offence: a prosecutor may file charges instead before a fine notice is served, and you can also be prosecuted if you ask to be tried. The fine track does not apply to soldiers, certain police and prison-service personnel, or prisoners. Selling, supplying and importing cannabis are separate and far more serious offences, and the UK Foreign Office warns that if you are caught with drugs in Israel you can expect a prison sentence.

Carry prescription medication in original packaging with a prescription and confirm legality with the Israel Ministry of Health; counterfeit medications are common in local markets.

Declare if carrying 50,000 shekels or more (or equivalent) when entering/exiting Israel by air, and 12,000 shekels (or equivalent) by land.

The acceptable blood-alcohol limit for driving in Israel is lower than in the US; drivers may not consume alcohol before driving.

Detention and criminal penalties for DUI.

All occupants must wear seat belts; headlights are required during intercity travel including daytime; a fluorescent vest and safety triangle must be carried (vest worn when exiting for repairs); handheld phone use while driving is prohibited.

Fine for not carrying a fluorescent vest if stopped.

There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or LGBTQ events in Israel, which has anti-discrimination protections; note the West Bank and Gaza operate under laws that prohibit same-sex activity.

Expressing views on social media that the Government of Israel considers incitement to violence or hate speech may bring criminal penalties, even if such expression would be lawful in the US.

Criminal penalties.