Information-seekers on Israel's Health Ministry website were surprised to find countries such as Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen on the list of countries designated as orange, meaning that flying to them is permitted but returning from them requires seven days of self-quarantine.
Israeli citizens are prohibited from traveling to these countries due to security concerns.
"Travel to this destination is permitted. All travelers coming to Israel from this location, including those vaccinated and recovered, must enter full isolation," the Health Ministry website says about Iran.
Twelve countries that do not recognize the State of Israel also do not currently admit Israeli passport holders: Algeria, Brunei, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Yemen.
In addition, six of these countries — Iran, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Syria and Yemen — do not allow entry to people with evidence of travel to Israel, or whose passports have either a used or an unused Israeli visa.
"The Health Ministry is responsible for health-related directives" a ministry spokesperson said in response to a query by Ynet. "It does not deal with security recommendations. On this topic you may turn to the Foreign Ministry or to the National Security Council."