Israeli Consulate in Manhattan Evacuated Over Building Collapse Risk

On May 31, 2026, employees of the Israeli consulate in New York City were evacuated from their premises on Second Avenue in Manhattan due to a severe safety warning. Local emergency services, including the New York Police Department and Fire Department, identified a real risk of collapse in a nearby multi-story residential and office building adjacent to the diplomatic mission. The evacuation order was issued immediately to protect the consulate staff and others in the surrounding buildings.

The Israeli consulate, considered Israel's largest diplomatic mission worldwide, temporarily ceased operations as all personnel left the site unharmed. Consul General Ophir Akunis monitored the evacuation closely and communicated with emergency responders. He confirmed that "all consulate employees were safely evacuated" and stated that he had instructed a review of alternative arrangements to resume normal work as soon as possible.

Currently, the consulate is exploring operational solutions and temporary locations to restore consular services promptly. This is to avoid prolonged disruption in public service until the structural danger is resolved and U.S. authorities approve a return to the building.