Israel on Google Street View

At a launch event held near the Old City walls in Jerusalem, Google announced that the first stage of driving and imagery collection will focus on Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa. Google intends to extend the coverage to other areas and sites around Israel.

Meir Brand—managing director, Google Israel, South Africa & Greece—said, “Jerusalem is a major site of pilgrimage for all three major world religions, and Israel's cultural and historical heritage touches the lives of billions of people around the world. In a few months time, when the Street View imagery becomes available online, Israel will be on the digital map, and the whole world will be able to see and experience its unique character.”

Nir Barkat, mayor of Jerusalem, said: “More than 3 billion people of faith around the world are interested in Jerusalem and wish to visit at least once in their lifetime. Soon, Jerusalem will join many cities around the world that can be visited virtually.”