Rabies Alert Issued for Two Dogs in West Bank Settlements

The Israeli Ministry of Health has issued alerts regarding two separate cases of rabies detected in dogs in West Bank settlements. In Beit Aryeh, a medium-to-large mixed-breed dog, brown with white markings around its neck and snout, was confirmed to be rabid. Nine individuals who had contact with this dog have begun receiving preventative treatment.

Separately, in the settlement of Eli, a medium-to-large Canaan dog, white with brown spots, was also found to be infected with rabies. Two people exposed to this dog have been directed to receive preventative care. Both notifications were received on September 6, 2026.

The Ministry of Health is urging anyone who may have come into contact with either of these animals, or whose pets may have had contact with them or other stray animals in the vicinity, to contact their local health office for potential preventative treatment. Specific contact information and dates of potential exposure have been provided for each location.

For those exposed to the dog in Beit Aryeh between August 22 and September 5, 2026, the health office in Ramla (phone 08-9181202) should be contacted urgently. For those exposed to the dog in Eli between September 1 and September 5, 2026, the same Ramla health office should be contacted.

Parents are asked to check with their children about any contact with suspicious animals, and pet owners are advised to confirm their pets' vaccination status with their local veterinarian. The Ministry also reminds the public that in the event of a bite or scratch from a potentially rabid animal, the wound should be immediately washed with soap and running water, disinfected, and medical attention sought.