The U.S. says ‘terrorist groups’ and ‘lone actors’ could strike in Israel without warning
The US raised its travel advisory on Israel to its second-highest level early Thursday, warning Americans to “reconsider” their plans to visit.
The adjustment came as Israel’s military responded to an unprecedented attack by Hamas militants in Israel on Saturday that killed at least 1,200 people, including at least 25 Americans. Although Gaza City remains a Level 4, or “no travel” zone, a Level 3 travel advisory remains in effect for all of Israel.
Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists, and other violent extremists are plotting possible attacks in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza,” the State Department wrote in its advisory. “Terrorists and violent extremists target tourist attractions, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. can attack with little or no warning.”
“Violence can occur in Israel and in the West Bank and Gaza without warning. There has been a significant increase in demonstrations across Israel, some with little or no warning,” the warning continued.
The State Department further recommends that Americans traveling to Israel familiarize themselves with the nearest bomb shelter wherever they are visiting.
Israel officially declared war on Hamas on Sunday and the country deployed tens of thousands of troops along the border around Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted that a ground invasion of Gaza is imminent.
Gaza is in the south of Israel; However, the country also faced aggression from the north. Hezbollah, the terrorist organization similar to Hamas in its relations with Iran, has fired rockets into Israel.
Amid the ongoing controversy, the United States has pledged its unwavering support to Israel. President Biden has ordered the deployment of two US aircraft carriers to the Eastern Mediterranean. At the same time, he issued a worldwide warning against getting involved in the war against Israel.
The presence of the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, in the eastern Mediterranean is a powerful signal of deterrence, the White House said Wednesday. This message is intended to prevent hostile individuals from considering the severity or scope of this conflict.