Israel raises threat level against travel to 80 countries due to Gaza war

The threat level has been raised in 80 countries for Israelis as a result of the Gaza war, according to a new list published by the National Security Council.

“Since the beginning of the war, we have identified increased efforts by Iran and its proxies, including Hamas and Global Jihad factions, to harm Israeli and Jewish targets around the world,” the NSC said in a statement.

“At the same time, there is a constant and significant rise in incitement, attempted attacks, and manifestations of antisemitism in many countries,” it explained.

“We can’t say don’t go, what we can say is that Israelis should weigh where they go,” an NSC official said.

There is an unprecedented level of potential violence either due to terror attempts or rising antisemitism and those who travel must take that into account, the official stated.

Over 80%  of the new threat warnings reflected an initial surge of danger in Level 1 countries, where “basic precautionary measures are advised, to Level 2, where travelers are to take “increased precautionary measures.”

Major Western countries moved up a level of concern

The United Kingdom and Australia were on that list, as were 17 countries on the European continent such as Germany, France, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

Countries where a more serious threat existed such as South Africa, Eritrea, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan were raised to a Level 3 threat, which recommends consideration of essential travel only.

Travel should be postponed for Middle Eastern countries as well as those bordering Iran and several Muslim countries in Asia, the NSC stated.

Israelis should “stay away from demonstrations and protests,” it said.

Travelers should also check current events in their destination spot to see if there is anti-Israeli or anti-Jewish activity, even for countries deemed largely safe.

Once out of the country, travelers should “avoid exhibiting Israeli and Jewish symbols, and large gatherings of Israeli and Jewish officials.”

Those who travel should also keep the contact information of the embassy or consulate as well as emergency services with them, the NSC said.