Israeli officials are considering a plan that would allow Google and its Street View cameras into the country.
A ministerial team chaired by Minister Dan Meridor met on Monday to discuss "various aspects" of Google Street View, according to a statement. The service, which provides street-level, 360-degree photographs of certain locations serviced by Google Maps, will be in Israel "soon," according to the Israeli prime minister's office.
No timeline was provided, other than to say that officials will cooperate with Google to provide Street View in Israel "as soon as possible."
During the Monday meeting, experts discussed concern regarding privacy and public security, but also touched on the benefits Street View might provide in terms of tourism and the country's image.
"The ministerial team instructed the experts to work to protect vital public interests regarding this innovative project," officials said in a statement.
"Street View is a popular feature of Google Maps which is already available in 27 countries. We aim to offer the benefits of street-level imagery to users all around the world, however, we have nothing specific to announce at this time," Google said in a statement.
The Los Angeles Times reported that the search giant might bring Street View to cities like Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa.
In other Street View news, the AP reports that Google officials will appear in a Bern, Switzerland court Thursday for a hearing that will discuss whether Street View should be allowed in the country.
"We believe that Street View respects Swiss Data protection law and brings enormous benefits to both local users and businesses," a Google spokeswoman said. "Street View has proved very popular in Switzerland since its launch and we want people to continue enjoying it."
Though Street View is popular and expanded to all seven continents last year, some countries have expressed concern over privacy. The service debuted in Germany in November, but only after Google agreed to blur the homes of those who requested it. In October, Italian officials required Google to provide adequate warnings about when its Street View vehicles would be passing through. A month before, Google was banned from expanding Street View in the Czech Republic due to security concerns.
Editor's Note: This story was updated at 1:45pm Eastern with comment from Google.