Supplemental Info:
Background:
The IDF has carried out air strikes on targets belonging to the Palestinian militant group Hamas in southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. The attacks were a response to a barrage of 34 rockets fired from Lebanon into northern Israel on Thursday, which it blamed on Hamas.
Militants in Gaza fired dozens more rockets after the strikes began.
Tensions are high following two nights of Israeli police raids at the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem earlier this week.
This year is one of only three times in a century when Easter occurs at the same time as Passover and Ramadan.
Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem
The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for caution and increased personal security awareness as security incidents often take place without any warning. The security environment is complex and can change quickly depending on the political situation and recent events.
As a result of rocket attacks from Lebanon into Israel, U.S. government employees have been restricted from all travel above Highway 85 and Highway 87 in northern Israel, approximately 18 kilometers from the Israel-Lebanon border. As an additional precaution, U.S. government employees will observe an 8:00PM—7:00AM curfew in the Old City. This is provided for your information as you make your own security plans.
U.S. citizens are encouraged to consult the current Travel Advisory and Country Information for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, which advise U.S. citizens to be aware of the continuing risks of travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza due to the security situation and heightened tensions and warns against travel to Gaza.
U.S. citizens can find additional information regarding steps to take in case of mortar and rocket fire in the Country Information for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza:
Mortar and Rocket Fire: In the event of mortar or rocket fire, a “red alert” siren may be activated. Treat all such alerts as real; follow the instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately. Know the location of your closest shelter or protected space. U.S. government personnel and their family members may be restricted from traveling to areas affected by rocket activity, sirens, and/or the opening of bomb shelters. For additional information on appropriate action to take upon hearing a siren or explosion, see the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command website (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. Free commercial applications, such as Red Alert: Israel, are also available.
Actions to Take:
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Jerusalem
14 David Flusser St.
Jerusalem
Online ACS Inquiry System: click here
Phone: +972-2-630-4000
Website: https://il.usembassy.gov/
U.S. Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv
71 HaYarkon St.
Tel Aviv
Routine: click here
Online ACS Inquiry System: click here
Phone: +972-3-519-7575
Website: https://il.usembassy.gov/
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747or 202-501-4444
Israel, West Bank, and Gaza Country Information
Israel, West Bank, and Gaza Travel Advisory
View the Original:
https://il.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-embassy-jerusalem-20/
