Backpacking around Israel

I want to try something different this summer. I want to be more spontaneous. So I am thinking about Backpacking around Israel. Do you think that it is smart thing to do? Is it safe to travel trough Israel. I heard all different stories so I dont know who I should trust. Thank you in advance for every advice.

My friend went to similar trip, and when he came back he was full withal positive impressions. He was there during the winter. He said that it is good time to travel. It was cold, but he likes low temperatures. There are a lot of hotels, hostels on the road. So he didnt have any problem with it. The rooms are more expensive then in other neighbor countries. He told me all sorts of stories where he had been. He even swim, although it was cold. He saw really wonderful things. So we started to make arrangements to go on the same trip together on the beginning of the next year.