The US State Department has restricted the travel of US government personnel in Israel due to public threats against Israel by Iran. A security alert posted by the US Embassy stated that US government employees and their family members are restricted from personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Be'er Sheva areas until further notice. However, they are allowed to transit between these areas for personal travel.
The alert emphasized the complexity of the security environment, noting that it can change rapidly depending on the political situation and recent events. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller highlighted that the decision to restrict personal travel was based on assessments of the threat environment in the Middle East, particularly in Israel.
Miller pointed out that Iran had been making public threats against Israel in recent days, prompting heightened vigilance. He acknowledged the challenging security situation in Israel and emphasized the ongoing monitoring and assessment of the ground situation by US officials.
US officials are on high alert for potential retaliatory strikes by Iran or its proxies against Israel. The State Department's travel restrictions reflect a proactive approach to ensuring the safety and security of US government personnel and their families in the region.
