As the Israel-Hamas War Intensifies, the United States is cautioning citizens abroad.
The U.S. State Department has issued a rare Worldwide Caution for all U.S. citizens outside the country, advising that, regardless of destination, U.S. citizens should increase their vigilance when traveling abroad.
The Worldwide Caution does not discourage travel abroad, advising only that U.S. travelers should be aware that U.S. citizens may face greater security risks outside the country. The State Department notes that, “Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution.”
The agency further encourages U.S. travelers to “stay alert in locations frequented by tourists, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.”
The Travel Advisory Levels have also changed. The State Department has increased the Warning for Lebanon to Level 4 – Do Not Travel. Israel and the West Bank have been increased to Level 3 – Reconsider Travel. Gaza remains at a 4.
For Israel and the West Bank, the level has been increased due to terrorism and civil unrest. The department notes that “Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists, and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Violence can occur without warning. There has been a marked increase in demonstrations throughout Israel, some with little or no warning.” The State Department is also authorizing the departure of some Embassy personnel on a case-by-case basis.
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In Lebanon, the State Department cites the “unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges between Israel and Hizballah or other armed militant factions. Reconsider travel to Lebanon due to terrorism, civil unrest, armed conflict, crime, kidnapping, and the Embassy in Beirut’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens.” The State Department has also “authorized the voluntary, temporary departure of family members of U.S. government personnel and some non-emergency personnel due to the unpredictable security situation.”
In addition to the Worldwide Caution, the State Department has issued additional information for U.S. citizens in the Middle East. In Israel, the availability of commercial flights from Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv remains limited, so the U.S. government is facilitating charter flights for U.S. citizens through at least Sunday, October 22. U.S. Citizens are advised to go to Ben Gurion International Airport, Terminal 3, where U.S. Embassy personnel will provide directions and flight information.
U.S. Citizens in Israel have also been able to depart the country to Jordan via the border crossings at Sheikh Hussein and Allenby Bridge. The U.S. Embassy in Israel advises U.S. citizens to take advantage of those border crossing options if safe. In Gaza, the Embassy expects the situation at the Rafah border crossing with Egypt “will remain fluid and unpredictable”.
U.S. Citizens in Lebanon still have commercial flight options available should they wish to depart–the State Department recommends U.S. citizens should depart the country, and those who choose to remain should prepare contingency plans for emergency situations.
It’s important to note that aside from the Worldwide Caution, the State Department has not changed recommendations or advisory levels for any other country in the Middle East region, including the neighboring countries of Egypt and Jordan.
The State Department last issued a Worldwide Caution in 2022, in the wake of the killing of an al Qaeda Leader, warning that retaliatory attacks on U.S. facilities, personnel, or citizens were possible.
Related: Where Is It Safe to Travel Around the Middle East Right Now