Embassy restricts travel in Israel for U.S. government employees

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem on Thursday told its employees that they were not allowed to leave the areas of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Be’er Sheva on personal travel. It said the embassy could restrict staffers’ travel even further in the coming days. The embassy also reminded all U.S. citizens to exercise caution and to be more aware of their personal security.

What’s this about? An Israeli airstrike allegedly hit the Iranian embassy complex in Damascus, Syria, earlier this month. At least seven Iranian officials died in the attack, Iranian Ambassador Zahra Ershadi told the UN Security Council later. She called on the UNSC to condemn the attack.

Since the UNSC has failed to condemn the attack, Iran will retaliate against Israel, Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Thursday. He claimed that Iran didn’t seek to escalate hostilities but did want what he called sustainable security.

What has Israel had to say about this? Israel is ready and prepared to defend its citizens, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said in a Thursday statement. He said a direct Iranian attack would require Israel to respond against Iran.

What is the U.S. government telling tourists? The U.S. State Department has advised Americans not to travel to Gaza and to reconsider travel to Israel. Both warnings cite the threat of terrorism and ongoing military operations in the area. Violence can occur without warning, the department said.

Dig deeper: Read Leo Briceno’s report in The Stew about the U.S. Congress’s failure to reapprove the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act.