Israel is one of the most modern, technologically advanced countries in the world. Not surprisingly, it also has had significant and vibrant general aviation activity. But lightplane pilots there are now in trouble-big trouble. Serious problems began in September 2000 when Jerusalem's only airport was temporarily shut down during the Second Intifada (uprising). This is when Palestinians began shooting at the control tower for target practice. They reportedly also shot at departing and arriving aircraft. Fifteen years later the airport is still closed, and likely will remain so. Like many airports in the United States, many of Israel's airports are under pressure to close because of escalating real-estate values and urban sprawl that suffocates their boundaries.
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