Israel Warns of Sharp Rise in Threats to Citizens Abroad

Israel's National Security Council (NSC) issued an updated threat assessment on Sunday, cautioning Israelis abroad about a "sharp rise in the motivation for terrorism" and an increase in attempted attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets worldwide. The council attributed this heightened risk to the ongoing conflict with Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and other entities, which has broadened the scope of dangers faced by Israelis globally.

The NSC highlighted that the third anniversary of the October 7th attacks could become a focal point for protests and demonstrations, potentially increasing the likelihood of attack attempts. Iran and its proxies remain the primary global threat, with Tehran actively engaging in various activities through its security agencies and affiliated groups, including criminal organizations, to target diplomatic missions, prominent Israeli figures, security personnel, Jewish institutions, and any Israelis abroad.

Hezbollah is also identified as a potential threat, while Hamas is reportedly working to establish infrastructure for operations in Europe and elsewhere to carry out attacks against Israelis and Jews. The assessment also noted that extremist groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda continue to call for attacks on Jews, with a particular focus on Africa and Asia, alongside ongoing attempts in European capitals and the United States, sometimes by lone actors.

The Houthis were also mentioned for their calls to target Israel and Israelis in the Horn of Africa region. The NSC reported a significant increase in lone-wolf attacks against Israeli or Jewish targets, with 25 Israelis or Jews killed in attacks abroad since the war began. These attacks are described as unpredictable and fueled by ideological extremism, often amplified by anti-Israel rhetoric on social media, targeting accessible locations like public gatherings and community centers.

The NSC identified several high-risk countries and regions. Neighboring Iran, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and the UAE are considered high-risk due to Iranian activity. Jordan, Qatar, Somaliland, Egypt, and the Sinai Peninsula are at Level 4 warning, with a recommendation to avoid them entirely. Israel's law prohibits citizens from traveling to Iraq, Yemen, Iran, Syria, and Lebanon, with travel to these areas posing a real danger to life. Saudi Arabia also has travel restrictions.

Guidance for Israelis abroad includes avoiding conspicuous displays of Israeli or Jewish symbols, limiting Hebrew use in crowded areas, and refraining from sharing real-time locations on social media. Travelers are advised to hide or remove any content revealing security service affiliation. They should also be wary of suspicious individuals or objects near Jewish centers and places of worship, avoid demonstrations, and refrain from political discussions with foreigners. In case of suspected danger or an attack, Israelis should immediately contact local security forces before informing Israeli assistance centers and keep local emergency numbers handy.