
OCTOBER 7 ALERT: Israel Warns of Heightened Terror Threat Against Jews and Israelis Abroad
Israel’s National Security Council is warning Israelis traveling or living abroad to exercise heightened caution on Wednesday, the third anniversary of the October 7 massacre, amid concerns that Iran, Hamas and other terrorist organizations could attempt attacks against Israeli or Jewish targets around the world.
The warning, issued Tuesday ahead of the anniversary, also cites the possibility of demonstrations, violent disturbances and other incidents in locations frequented by Israelis and Jews. Travelers are being urged to remain vigilant and avoid situations that could expose them unnecessarily.
According to the National Security Council, terrorist organizations view the October 7 anniversary as a significant symbolic date that could provide an opportunity for attacks. Officials specifically pointed to Iran and its proxies, Hamas and global jihadist organizations as sources of concern.
The council said the heightened threat could take the form of attempted terrorist attacks against Israelis and Jews overseas, while anti-Israel demonstrations and public disturbances surrounding the anniversary could create additional security risks.
Israelis abroad are being advised to stay away from demonstrations and large gatherings, particularly events connected to Israel or the Gaza war, where tensions could escalate.
Travelers are also being urged not to post their locations, itineraries or travel plans on social media in advance. Such information, security officials warn, can reveal an individual’s movements and make it easier for hostile actors to identify or track potential targets.
The National Security Council is additionally urging Israelis to avoid destinations currently under a Level 4 travel warning, the highest warning level. Those destinations include Jordan, Qatar, Somaliland and Egypt, including the Sinai Peninsula.
For countries and destinations subject to a Level 3 warning, Israelis are being advised to take additional precautions, including limiting the use of Hebrew in crowded public areas and avoiding unnecessary displays that could identify them as Israeli.
The public is also being cautioned against posting material on social media that reveals past or present service in the IDF or other Israeli security forces, information that could potentially draw unwanted attention or be exploited by hostile elements.
The warning comes amid continuing concern over Iranian efforts to target Israelis and Jewish communities outside Israel. Israeli security authorities have repeatedly warned that Iran and organizations linked to Tehran seek opportunities to carry out attacks overseas, while Hamas and global jihadist groups have also called for attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets since October 7.
Officials are urging travelers to familiarize themselves with the current warning level for their destination, maintain awareness of their surroundings and reconsider unnecessary travel to locations where the threat level is particularly high.
In the event of an emergency abroad, Israelis are instructed to contact local law-enforcement and security authorities first. Israel’s National Security Council travel-warning center will remain operational around the clock at 02-6667444.
{Matzav.com}