National Security Council Warns of Holiday Terror Attacks Abroad

Israel's National Security Council (NSC) issued a stark warning on Sunday regarding potential terror attacks against Israelis and Jews abroad during the upcoming High Holidays. The NSC highlighted that terror organizations continue their efforts to harm Israelis worldwide, with the third anniversary of the October 7th massacre potentially becoming a focal point for demonstrations, violence, and terror attempts. These warnings are not new but reflect an updated assessment of terror group activities and their impact on risk levels for Israelis overseas.

The ongoing conflict with Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and other groups has broadened the scope of risk, according to the NSC. In addition to terror plots, the council noted a worsening anti-Israel discourse and increased motivation to attack Israeli and Jewish targets. Iran and its proxies are identified as the primary global terror instigators against Israelis and Jews, acting out of a desire for revenge for perceived blows and promoting actions through terror mechanisms, proxies, and even criminal organizations. Targets include diplomatic missions, senior Israeli officials, security personnel, Jewish institutions, and ordinary Israelis.

Hezbollah is also deemed a significant threat, partly due to its desire for revenge for the deaths of its senior operatives. Hamas, the NSC warned, is actively working to establish terror infrastructures in Europe and elsewhere to carry out revenge or showcase attacks against Israelis and Jews. ISIS and Al-Qaeda continue to issue explicit calls for attacks on Jews, with the threat particularly pronounced in Africa and Asia, but also present in European capitals and the United States. The Houthis have also called for attacks on Israelis traveling to Somaliland and Africa.

The NSC pointed to a significant rise in lone-wolf attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets, with 25 Israelis and Jews killed in terror attacks abroad since the start of the "Swords of Iron" war. These threats are described as decentralized and unpredictable, often targeting accessible locations like mass events, houses of worship, and community centers. High-risk areas include countries bordering Iran, such as Azerbaijan, Turkey, and the UAE. Jordan, Qatar, Somaliland, and Egypt, including the Sinai Peninsula, carry a Level 4 travel warning, advising complete avoidance.

Israelis are also reminded that travel to Iraq (including Kurdistan), Yemen, Iran, Syria, and Lebanon is prohibited by law. Entry into Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Somalia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Libya, and Algeria should also be avoided. The NSC advises Israelis abroad to downplay Israeli and Jewish symbols, avoid real-time location sharing, and remove any information indicating military service from social media. Travelers are urged to stay away from demonstrations, refrain from political discussions with strangers, and remain vigilant near Chabad houses, kosher restaurants, and synagogues. In case of suspected threats or attacks, locals should first contact security forces and then Israeli assistance centers.