Hitchhiking is very common in Israel. Hitchhiking is done by pointing to the ground with the hand far from the body, instead of raising a thumb.
Safety
Hitchhiking is not always a good idea. Due to terrorism, hitchhikers are often risking their lives when they thumb a ride. Even still hitchhiking is a way of life. You will find hitchhikers everywhere. Your best bet for getting a safe ride in Israel is getting into a car with people who know what they are doing. Even still, caution is necessary.