Compared male and female residents of a high-risk area (Tel-Aviv), which was severely afflicted during the Persian Gulf War, to those of a low-risk area (Jerusalem) in terms of: (1) the changes in physical health, in the use of medical or psychological services, and in health behaviors during and a month before the war; (2) levels of psychological distress (PD) during the war; and (3) characteristics of persons at highest risk for PD. 545 Tel-Aviv Ss and 406 Jerusalem Ss (both groups aged 18-65+ yrs) were interviewed by telephone. Ss in both regions reported significant yet similar deterioration in physical health status, and an increase in detrimental health behaviors during the war. However, Tel-Aviv residents had significantly higher levels of PD as compared to residents of Jerusalem. In addition to place of residence, age, ethnicity, religiosity, and self-assessed health were identified as characteristics of persons at greater risk for PD.