Recent clashes in East Jerusalem and around the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif compound amidst calls for a “day of rage” mark an increase in tensions in and around the Old City of Jerusalem. Age restrictions have also been put in place for today’s prayers at the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif compound which creates the potential for demonstrations and clashes with Israeli National Police (INP). There will be a heavy INP presence and street closures in and around the Old City today which will create traffic congestion. The U.S. Consulate General reminds U.S. citizens to exercise a heightened sense of situational awareness at all times and to monitor local news sources.
The unpredictability of clashes in and around the Old City remains a concern and underscores the importance of constantly being aware of your immediate surroundings and the neighborhoods in which you travel. The INP will deploy in large numbers in neighborhoods that may experience a violent protest/demonstration/clash. This INP presence serves as a good indicator that a protest may occur in the neighborhood and a visible reminder to avoid the area. If INP restricts access to certain neighborhoods or adjacent roadways in police riot gear (helmets and batons), this serves as a clear indicator that clashes are ongoing in the area and it is advisable to leave the location immediately.
For further information:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warning for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, Travel Alerts and Country Specific Information for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Contact the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, located at 71 Hayarkon, telephone (972) (3) 519-7575. The Consulate General in Jerusalem is located at 14 David Flusser, telephone (972) (2) 622-7230. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance outside of business hours, you may call the emergency after-hours number either in Tel Aviv at (972) (3) 519-7551 or Jerusalem at (972) (2) 622-7250.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
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