Middle East - Why the sharp spike in car rental prices in Israel

I spend a month every summer in Israel, and usually find a small Avis or Hertz for about $17 a day. THey seem to be $25 and up this year. I found a good CDW for Thrifty, but I've never rented Thrifty in Israel before. What's going on?

By the way, interesting getting a rewards flight this year. I use AA miles every year to book business seat. As you know, ELAL was blocked out for most of last year. Original flight this year had to be booked Alitalia to Madrid then TA. Return via Swiss with an overnight in Zurich. Well, ElAl cleared this week, now going JFK-TLV direct both ways!

But still bummed about the car.

I usually get a 3x Upgrade paid C got F, lately it was pay E get G. In March that E was $28 with 3rd party Liability, Pesach it was $45, last week it was $36, for my Aug trip its $49 reg G is $57. and lately no Free Shabbos either.

Its the same with The Hotels as they too are raising their rates little by little as Tourism is returning back towards what it was at one time.

Tourism in Israel is picking up after long years of very few tourists. Most individual visitors (those who rent cars) are from Europe - especially from France. When there is a demand for services, you don't need to bargain anymore and can raise prices.

Well, I guess the Zionist in me is happy.

Interesting, isn't though that ELAL didn't institute a black out? Wonder if thatis a statement on their business?

Well, I guess the Zionist in me is happy.

Interesting, isn't though that ELAL didn't institute a black out? Wonder if thatis a statement on their business?

Who said they fly LY? :) - there are a lot of charters from Europe these days.