Capacity returns to Israel even as West Bank, Iran and Jordan risks tighten around the election

British Airways resumes daily Heathrow–Tel Aviv service on Oct 25, ending an eight-month pause. For advisors, UK-origin winter itineraries on BA metal and codeshares can be reopened. Wizz Air's Gatwick service runs five times weekly, so UK capacity is rebuilding just after UK visitor numbers grew roughly 20% in summer.

The security picture below still argues for flexible fare rules on anything booked for November. Capacity came back once before and was then pulled when the region escalated.

Two IDF soldiers were killed in a shooting attack near Hebron. Israel attributes it to Hamas and says a wider massacre was planned. The IDF and Shin Bet have begun multi-day counterterrorism operations in the Hebron area, and the IDF chief says forces are at their highest level of readiness.

Per the research notes, Netanyahu ordered Hebron sealed and West Bank entry and exit restricted through at least the Oct 27 election, with parallel raids in Jenin, Nablus and East Jerusalem. The State Department already rates the West Bank Level 3: Reconsider Travel.

Bethlehem, Hebron and Jericho day trips, and tours using Route 35 and the Judea corridor, need contingency plans. Tell clients now that closures may change at short notice.

A US intelligence warning, confirmed by Rubio, says Iran has substantially increased efforts to kill American officials. Per the research notes, State is cutting staff at embassies in the UAE, Lebanon, Qatar and Jordan, and has ordered nonessential staff out of Saudi Arabia. That could foreshadow advisory changes.

Trump said the US may "do another little Epic Fury." The US ambassador to Turkey said a strike this weekend is possible. The NYT reportedly says both militaries plan strikes after Nov 3.

Iranian officials also say Tehran has plans to hit Gulf undersea cables if war resumes. That would disrupt Gulf hubs that carry many Israel itineraries.

A resumption could close Ben Gurion airspace and prompt carrier suspensions, as in February. Review cancellation and flexibility terms on November bookings, especially those routed via the Gulf.

Gunmen opened fire at a church in Jordan, killing seven, and the US embassy says security has been stepped up. Per the research notes, the attack hit Karak. Terrorist attacks on Christian communities there are rare.

Combined Israel–Jordan and Petra/Holy Land pilgrimage programs may need review, and client concern about the region is likely to rise. Check current advisory language before reconfirming Jordan legs, and consider offering Israel-only alternatives.

Final polls put Eisenkot's bloc ahead, but neither side reaches a majority. Per the research notes, the bloc stands at 52–56 seats against 50. A drawn-out coalition process is likely, and the opposition is weighing a minority coalition.

The commercial effect is indirect. Election-week security restrictions and the possible post-election Iran escalation make Oct 27 through November a sensitive window for client arrivals. Build buffer into tight transfers and tell clients to expect extra security measures.

El Al is rolling out new amenity kits and bedding from November 2026. It plans complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi, with the first equipped aircraft arriving in 2027.

It is a selling point for transatlantic premium cabins, but not a near-term change. Use it as a product talking point rather than a reason to rebook.

Israel ends daylight saving time overnight Saturday–Sunday, moving clocks back at 2 a.m. They stay on winter time until March 26, 2027. The time difference with the US and Europe shifts during the transition weekend, as their changeovers fall on different dates.

Recheck transfer pickups and flight times for clients arriving or departing around Oct 25.