Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem (May 12, 2021)

Location:  Gaza, Southern and Central Israel

Event:  Rockets continue to impact the Gaza periphery and areas across Southern and Central Israel.  Effectively immediately and until Monday, May 17, U.S. government employees and their family members have been advised 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.

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:

Assistance: