US Embassy issues travel warning for Israel amid escalating conflict with Hezbollah
On August 25, the US Embassy in Israel issued a new document safety warning for the areas of Israel, the West Bank and Gaza as a result of the latest military actions between Israel and the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah.
At around 1:30 PM GMT on Sunday, Israel launched a pre-emptive strike on southern Lebanon, reportedly to thwart a large-scale missile and drone attack planned by Hezbollah, IDF spokesman Admiral Daniel Hagari said.
According to the BBC, the affected locations included the Bir Kalb area, Beaufort Castle and the outskirts of the towns of Louaizeh, Bsalia, Kfar Melki, Ain Qana, Kfar Fila, Sajd and Sarba.
Faced with the looming possibility of retaliation by the terrorist group, The U.S. Embassy has issued a series of recommendations to help Americans traveling or staying in Israel do so as safely as possible.
Considering that the US Department of State advises “Reconsider travel‘to Israel and the West Bank, and’Don’t travelFor Gaza, it is of utmost importance that those in any of these areas know in advance where the nearest shelter is located. Looking for it at the moment the siren is activated may be too late.
“In the event of mortar or rocket fire or the intrusion of enemy aircraft, a ‘red alert’ siren can be activated. Treat all these warnings as genuine; follow the instructions of local authorities and seek shelter immediately. Know the location of your nearest shelter or protected space,” reads the advice.
In any case, avoid traveling to Gaza and to “Northern Israel within a 4 km radius of the Lebanese and Syrian borders,” as that is where most attacks take place.
Please note that in emergency situations such as massive rocket and drone attacks, U.S. Embassy personnel are prohibited from traveling to certain areas of Israel, including the Old City of Jerusalem and the West Bank.
This means that if you run into trouble in any of these areas, you cannot rely on American help. In fact, the US is advising Americans to develop their own security plans, as the country will have little to no consular capacity to assist those who travel to these areas against government advice.
Other essential precautions travelers and residents should take to stay safe include avoiding all demonstrations and large gatherings.
Immediately leave any area where there is a heavy police presence, keep up to date with the latest news on the ground and follow instructions from local authorities without delay.
“For additional information on the appropriate action to take when hearing a siren or explosion, see the website of the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command (available on devices within Israel) or view the Preparedness information pdf. U.S. citizens may also wish to download the free Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command application on Android or Apple devices to receive real-time security and safety alerts,” reads the advice.
Last but not least, consider registering in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to help the U.S. government locate you in an emergency.
