I have never had problems travelling by car in Israel; other than traffic in the Tel Aviv area. Traffic and parking in Tel Aviv are not minor problems especially in the summer and the Maccabiah will make matters worse. You might want to use public transport or taxis in the city. Remember no public transport during the Sabbath (except in Hiafa I believe).

If you don't read Hebrew I would recommend that you pick up a road atlas in English before you go. It will save you looking for one there. I picked one up at Barnes and Noble so they aren't hard to get. Most road signs in Israel are in Hebrew and Latin characters so finding your way with a map isn't a major problem. There have been a few times when I have had to match the Hebrew characters on the sign with the ones on my map, but only occassionaly.

With regard to the occupied territories it is not always easy to know if you have strayed from Israel proper. Maps do not denote the territories as such as there are many varied opinions in Israel as to whether this area is Israel or not. I don't want to get into that but just wanted to mention that the territories are not marked.

I have rented cars from two Israeli companies. I wasn't pleased with the vehicle I had from Pery (I believe that is what it is called) and it took most of a day to get a replacement. Taking the advice of members on this list I have since rented from El Dan and it has been fine.

As for the $4000 per person that seems excessive to me but during my many trips to Israel I have never used a tour company.

Have a nice trip.

Jude