On Thursday, the United States moved to restrict travel within Israel due to fears of an attack by Iran.
“Out of an abundance of caution,” the US Embassy staff in Israel has been told not to travel outside the greater Jerusalem, Tel Aviv or Beersheba areas.
In the April 11 post on its website, the Unites States State Department, said “Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Violence can occur in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza without warning.”
An “Do Not Travel” advisory has been issued for Americans planning travel to Gaza. “The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Gaza as U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling there,” the State Department said on the advisory.
It also issued a “Reconsider Travel” advisory for Americans planning travel to Israel” due to due to terrorism and civil unrest.”
Iran blames Israel for an attack on its Syrian consulate which killed 13 people. BBC reported that Lord Cameron, United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary has phoned his Iranian counterpart to urge against further escalation.
Also on Thursday, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Whoever harms us, we will harm them,” adding that the country was “prepared… both defensively and offensively.”
For the complete US State Department advisory, click here.