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US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday announced a major reversal of the longstanding US policy on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, rejecting a 1978 State Department legal opinion that deemed the settlements "inconsistent with international law."
Last year, 897,100 Americans traveled to Israel for tourism and business, representing the single largest group of foreign visitors to the country.
Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem
November 18, 2019
Location: Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza
Event: The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens in or considering travel to or through Jerusalem, the West Bank, or Gaza to maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness in light of the current environment. Individuals and groups opposed to the Secretary of State’s recent announcement may target U.S. government facilities, U.S. private interests, and U.S. citizens. Potential targets include public events, such as demonstrations, holiday events, and celebratory gatherings; hotels, clubs, and restaurants popular with U.S. citizens; places of worship; schools; shopping malls and markets; tourism infrastructure; public transportation and airports.
U.S. citizens should carefully consider risks to their personal safety and security at sites and events that are potential targets. In addition, U.S. citizens in the West Bank, Gaza, and Jerusalem should avoid non-essential movements and events that attract attention. U.S. citizens should carefully consider risks to their personal safety and security at sites and events that are potential targets.
The U.S. government currently prohibits travel by U.S. government employees to the entirety of the West Bank, including Jericho and Bethlehem, as well as to Jerusalem’s Old City, its immediate vicinity, and its gates. This includes the portions of routes 1, 443, and 90 that pass through the West Bank.
Actions to Take:
- Plan routes to avoid checkpoints on roads and into and out of the West Bank or other areas. Use commercially available navigation software to find the most appropriate route if you must travel.
- Avoid travel in the West Bank, including Bethlehem and Jericho, as well as the portions of routes 1, 443, and 90 that traverse the West Bank. Avoid travel to the immediate vicinity of Jerusalem’s Old City and its gates.
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Avoid all demonstrations
- Monitor local media
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
- Enroll in the Department of Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency.
- Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Advisories (including the Travel Advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza) and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Information for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. For additional information, refer to “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Jerusalem
14 David Flusser St.
Jerusalem
Telephone: +972-2-630-4000
E-mail: JerusalemACS@state.gov
Website: https://il.usembassy.gov/
U.S. Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv
71 HaYarkon St.
Tel Aviv
Telephone: +972-3-519-7575
E-mail: TelAvivACS@state.gov
Website: https://il.usembassy.gov/
https://il.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-embassy-jerusalem-november-18-2019/
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