Location: Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza
Event: Rockets continue to impact the Gaza periphery and areas across Southern and Central Israel. In addition, there has been a marked increase in protests and violence throughout Israel. U.S. government employees and their family members have been advised to limit personal travel to the city in which they reside through Tuesday May 18th, to remain close to home and/or close to a bomb shelter during daylight hours, and to remain indoors in their residences until 6:00 a.m. the next day where there are active Red Alerts at night.
In the event of red alert sirens or active rocket attacks, U.S. citizens should remain sheltered until ten minutes after the last siren. Please follow all guidance from the Israeli Home Front Command.
U.S. citizens should review home shelter plans and ensure their bomb shelters are stocked with any items they might need when sheltering for an extended period, such as, water, food, comfort items for children and pets, phone chargers, a flashlight, and extra batteries.
In addition to rocket fire, there has been an increase in demonstrations, protests, and violent clashes. U.S. citizens should be aware of their surroundings and exercise caution. U.S. citizens should avoid large crowds, know where they are going and be familiar with their route, and use a navigation app, such as WAZE, as the Israeli National Police will re-direct traffic based on road closures and security enforcement activities.
As security incidents, including rocket fire, often take place without warning, U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. In the event of mortar and/or rocket fire, a red alert siren may be activated. Treat all such alerts as real; follow the instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately. Know the location of your closest shelter or protected space. U.S. government employees and their family members are temporarily restricted from traveling to and through areas with active red alert sirens or rocket activity, to include the cities of Ashdod and Ashkelon. U.S. government personnel continue to be prohibited from travel to Gaza and areas in close proximity to Gaza.
For additional information on appropriate action to take upon hearing a siren or explosion, see the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command website (available on devices within Israel) or view the Preparedness Information PDF. U.S. citizens may also wish to download the free Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command application on Android or Apple devices to receive real-time security and safety alerts. Free commercial applications, such as Red Alert: Israel, are also available.
Actions to Take:
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Avoid all demonstrations
- Monitor local media
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
- Enroll in the Department of Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency.
- Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Advisories (including the Travel Advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza) and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Information for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. For additional information, refer to “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Jerusalem
14 David Flusser St.
Jerusalem
Telephone: +972-2-630-4000
E-mail: JerusalemACS@state.gov
Website: https://il.usembassy.gov/
- U.S. Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv
71 HaYarkon St.
Tel Aviv
Telephone: +972-3-519-7575
E-mail: TelAvivACS@state.gov
Website: https://il.usembassy.gov/
- State Department – Consular Affairs
- 888-407-4747or 202-501-4444
- Israel, West Bank, and Gaza Country Information
- Israel, West Bank, and Gaza Travel Advisory
- Enroll in Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
