Israeli Government offices have developed a certain notoriety - as soon as you think you remember which office is open on Wednesday afternoon, you turn up to find the door locked and a hand writtne sign announcing new hours of business. On one occasion I even turned up at the Customs office in Jerusalem to find that it had moved across the city!

In short, it's always recommended to check location and opening hours before taking 1/2 a day off work to go and deal with a Government office - here's how to find them as well as plenty of official information.

Most of these sites are best viewed in Explorer rather than another browser such as Firefox.

Gov.il - Government internet portal - in English - a good place to start off.

Misrad Hapnim - Interior Ministry - in Hebrew only

Misrad Hapnim offices on Google Maps - new and exclusive feature!

Misrad Haklita (Hamisrad Leklitat Ha'Aliyah) - Absorption Ministry - English site

Bituach Leumi (Hamossad LeBituach Leumi) - National Insurance Institute - English site

Mas Hachnasa / Meches - Israel Tax Authority / Customs - English site

Misrad Hatachbura - Ministry of Transport - English site exists but contains little information. To make things easier, click here for the list of licensing offices and here for the list of photo stations.

The IDF - newly translated into English

Misrad Hachinuch - Ministry of Education - Hebrew site for recognition of degrees

Misrad Habriut - Ministry of Health - Hebrew site - Medical licensing

Reshut Hashidur - Israel Broadcasting Authority - Hebrew site - TV license fees dept.