I went in 2015 and highly recommend Tel Aviv. Some great restaurants and bars, surprisingly friendly people, and a dynamic, youthful vibe. Bit of a culture shock with the metal detectors at malls and soldiers patrolling the beach but overall a good impression.

We were only there for 3 days so we did the tourist thing and booked a day tour to Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. It was about 40 mins on the bus from Tel Aviv. Was very crowded when we were there but you definitely get a sense and feel of the significance and sheer history of the place.

As others have said, they don't stamp your passport but expect a grilling going and coming back. And I mean a grilling. I'd gone to Abu Dhabi 2 years' previously and they wanted to know who I went with, what they're doing now, where I stayed, what I thought of it, did I like it etc. They don't mess about.