"1.2 million Americans visited Israel in 2008 and 2009, the best two years for tourism in Israel''s 62-year history," says Arie Sommer, Commissioner of Tourism, North and South America. "With the United States accounting for 21% of arriving travelers and with indications that global economic turndown may be approaching its end, we anticipate an even greater influx of American travelers to arrive in the years to come."

The United States is Israel's number-one source of tourism, with Russia the second largest--followed by France, Britain and Germany.

For full details of the Gallup poll, visit www.gallup.com/poll/126116.