The United States is warning its citizens of possible terrorist attacks directed at Americans in Israel during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, and is placing tough restrictions on the movements of its diplomats in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, declaring the Old City off limits to all U.S. personnel at certain key hours.
The State Department said yesterday travel limits were imposed last week after the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv said it learned terrorists might be planning attacks on American interests throughout Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Strip in the coming weeks.
It would not say whether any specific threats were received, and did not divulge the precautions it had asked U.S. diplomats to take.
But a copy of a notice from the embassy in Tel Aviv to U.S. government workers was obtained by the press:
“The U.S. government has recently received information that American interests could be the focus of upcoming terrorist attacks, including within Israel,” the embassy wrote in an Oct. 21 notice.
“Instructions provided to American employees of the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv and the American consulate general in Jerusalem have been clarified to forbid use of all, repeat all, public transportation, including buses and trains and respective stations/terminals,” the memo said.
“The embassy and consulate general have declared the Old City of Jerusalem off-limits to American personnel Fridays during the daytime in the month of Ramadan … as well as during hours of darkness every day,” the memo said.
In addition, the embassy told all American citizens to avoid crowded venues such as shopping and market areas, pedestrian zones, restaurants, cafes, shopping malls, and public demonstrations.
Jihadism is alive and well 23 years after 9/11: Here’s why
Chuck Norris