Court Reporting in Israel

The requirements for taking depositions of U.S. citizens in Israel are straightforward and easy to follow using Planet Depos’ checklist specific to Israel depositions.

Israel is party to the Hague Convention, and permits the taking a U.S. deposition of voluntary witnesses without prior approval. Remember to allow enough time (roughly between 4-6 weeks is ideal) for scheduling depositions in Israel. Due to the logistics associated with the scheduling and planning process, this is extremely important. For specific information pertaining to taking depositions in Israel, please consult the U.S. Embassy’s website for Judicial Assistance.

1. Determine whether the witness is willing to be deposed. If so, both parties can stipulate and begin the process of setting up the deposition.
2. Select the deposition services needed:
   • U.S.-trained court reporter
   • U.S.-trained legal videographer
   • Any language interpreter (note that Hebrew interpreters prefer to work in pairs)
3. Determine the location of the deposition in Israel.
   • Do you need Planet Depos to reserve a conference room for you?
4. If you are not participating in person, do you require videoconferencing services? (If not, please skip to the next item on the checklist).
   • Do you need a location in Israel?
   • Will you need a location in the United States?
   • Can you attend from your firm’s videoconference suite?
   • Ask about Planet Depos’ Mobile Videoconferencing capabilities!
   • Document Production
     • Do you need assistance with exhibit printing?
5. Select your deposition date.
   • Start time
   • End time
6. Visa Restrictions:
   • There are special visa requirements for travel to Israel. For more information, contact Planet Depos’ International Scheduling Department.
7. Make travel arrangements.
   • Flight
   • Car rental
   • Lodging
     • Contact Planet Depos for information about corporate discounts with our partner hotels
8. Send a protective order to Planet Depos for representatives to sign. (if applicable)
9. Have you filled out the Planet Depos Standing Order Form? It’s an easy process that takes less than 60 seconds and will let us know:
   • Transcript turnaround time (regular or expedited)
   • Who should receive the Rough ASCII and final transcript
   • The number of realtime laptops that are needed
   • Preferred video format (DVD, MPEG1, Loaded DVD, Synchronized Viewer)
10. Send out Notice of Deposition to all counsel, your witness, and Planet Depos.
11. Send prep materials to Planet Depos for reporter’s deposition preparation:
    • Notice of deposition
    • Answer to Complaint
    • Subpoena
    • Previous transcript(s)
    • Word index
12. Obtain emergency contact information for Planet Depos representatives.
13. Provide emergency contact information of counsel.

Travel safely to the Israel and contact Planet Depos with any questions once you’ve arrived!

The International Team at Planet Depos regularly handles deposition travel to Israel. and is happy to share our top travel tips.

With teams living in nearby Europe and Asia, Planet Depos offers 24-7 assistance for all of your deposition needs in Israel. Our teams have been covering depositions in Israel for over 15 years. We can provide you with guidance for anything related to the scheduling process, travel, and document assistance in Israel.

Entry Requirements for Israel

All travelers are required to have a visa and a passport showing at least 6 months validity post departure date from Israel. One blank page is required for a visa stamp, although Planet Depos does recommend traveling with at least two blank visa pages. Many flights from the United States do not require any stopover in another country, but if you do have a connecting flight, you will need to check any country or countries you pass through to determine if a separate transit visa is required.

For more information, you can also contact the Israeli Embassy (3514 International Dr NW Washington DC 20008)

Flying to Israel

There is one major international airport in Israel:

• Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) – Tel Aviv (http://www.telaviv-airport.com/)

Major airlines offering non-stop flights from the U.S. to Israel include:

• United
• Delta
• El Al
• US Airways

Travel In Israel

For updated travel alerts and information, please visit the Embassy’s webpage.

You can also download the SmartTravel App for your smartphone created by the U.S. Department of State.

Staying in Israel

There are several locations where U.S. depositions may be taken in Israel. For example, major cities Jerusalem and Tel Aviv offer many luxury hotels to choose from for your lodging and conference room needs. We are more than happy to assist you with your conference room needs and hotel recommendations.

Medical Information for Israel

There are several medical facilities throughout Israel, most of which are English-friendly. For more medical information, please go to:

https://il.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/

For updated health information, including health travel alerts and immunizations, please visit Israel specific website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Money Matters

Israel’s currency is the Israeli New Shekel. However, the U.S. dollar is accepted in places accustomed to dealing with tourists. You can change money with more convenience at licensed exchange booths in shopping centers than at a bank, which will charge a commission.

Major credit cards – American Express, Diners, Visa, MasterCard – are widely accepted in Israeli restaurants, hotels, and stores. You can also withdraw local currency at banks which accept your credit card. ATMs are widely available.

For up-to-date information on the local conversion rate, please visit a reputable currency converter website such as http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/, which also offers an app for smartphones.

Weather

Israel summers (April-October) are typically warm and dry with temperatures in the 80’s or 90’s, while winters (November-March) are relatively mild, with temperatures ranging in the 50’s-60’s. Regional conditions do vary. For example, summers are more humid on the coast while winters in the mountainous region are colder and include the occasional snowfall. Spring and autumn see sporadic hot winds which cause temperatures to skyrocket, but for the most part are extremely pleasant, with temperatures in the 60’s-70’s.

Important Websites and Resources

Embassy of the United States in Tel Aviv, Israel

Travel Apps on iOS

Interesting Israel Fact

Israel’s banknotes have Braille markings on them so the blind can easily identify them.