The US Department of State has raised its travel advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza to Level 4: Do Not Travel, citing a deteriorating security situation fueled by escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran.
The advisory, updated on Monday, warns of armed conflict, terrorism, and civil unrest, highlighting a volatile environment with little or no warning for attacks. The update also confirms the authorized departure of non-emergency US government personnel and their families due to the risks.
The warning comes as tensions reach a boiling point following Israel’s extensive military strikes on Iranian targets last week. Iran has retaliated with ballistic missile attacks that have killed at least 24 people in Israel, while Iranian authorities claim 224 fatalities since Friday.
The US government is now restricting official and personal travel of its employees across sensitive regions in Israel, including:
- Within 4 km of the Lebanese and Syrian borders in northern Israel
- Within 11.3 km of the Gaza border
- Within 2.4 km of the Egypt border
- All travel to Gaza and most of the West Bank, except limited, checkpoint-monitored routes
The advisory emphasizes that US government personnel are prohibited from entering Gaza, where consular services are unavailable. Border crossings such as Erez and Rafah remain closed, and US citizens in Gaza are being told to prepare for an indefinite stay, stockpiling food, medical supplies, and securing alternate power sources.
The State Department also warns that terrorist groups and lone actors continue to plot attacks in busy public places, including malls, airports, tourist sites, and transport hubs. Travelers are urged to avoid crowds, stay vigilant, and have personal emergency plans in place.
To support safety planning, the advisory recommends:
- Enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
- Carrying comprehensive medical evacuation insurance
- Downloading the Home Front Command Red Alert app
- Reviewing the Country Security Report
- Leaving key documents such as wills, insurance beneficiary information, and even DNA samples with a provider
Travelers are instructed to monitor the US Embassy’s website, follow local authority instructions, and be prepared for sudden flight cancellations and movement restrictions. The embassy may further tighten travel protocols for personnel without notice as conditions evolve.
The advisory concludes with a stark message: the entire region remains unpredictable, and all US citizens are strongly discouraged from any non-essential travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza at this time.