U.S. issues travel warning for Israel and surrounding areas

Global situations have a significant impact on travel, and there’s a serious matter going on that much of the world is watching closely. The war in Gaza continues to escalate and up-to-date news caused U.S. officials to take steps to warn American travelers. The possibility of Iran attacking Israel continues to rise and the U.S. Department of State issued a travel advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.

The travel advisory was released on April 11 and listed as “Other” on the U.S. Department of State website. There is a “do not travel” order for Gaza due to terrorism and armed conflict. Israel and the West Bank are listed with a “reconsider travel” for those same reasons. The summary points to “terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists, and other violent extremists” potentially plotting attacks in each of those areas. Iran is not explicitly mentioned in the alert.

“Out of an abundance of caution, U.S. government employees and their family members are restricted from personal travel outside the great Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva areas until further notice,” the security alert mentions.

Iran has released statements about retaliating against Israel after an April 1 attack in Syria killed seven Iranian military officers.

All U.S. embassies in the Middle East were put on high alert over the weekend and many diplomats were told to not travel to those areas as well. The United States has issued other travel advisories during the war, even using the rare “worldwide caution” advisory for all Americans traveling overseas back in October after violence initially erupted.

 The war in Gaza continues to impact millions of people in the area and more around the world. It’s important to pay close attention to travel restrictions during this time if you are planning to head to that part of the world.