Ahead of Passover, Israelis warned of increased threats worldwide amid war with Iran

The National Security Council on Wednesday called on Israelis living or traveling abroad during the upcoming holidays “to take increased precautions” due to the threat posed by Iran and its proxies amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Islamic Republic.

Iran has been responsible for numerous terror attacks and attempted attacks on Israeli and Jewish targets around the world over the years, using its global network of agents and proxies. It is widely believed to be increasing such efforts amid the war.

The NSC statement said any concentration of Israelis or Jews abroad during Passover and other upcoming holidays, such as Shavuot, “represent a potential target for attack by terrorist elements.”

It urged Israelis to avoid sharing real-time travel details on social media, avoid events identified with Israel or Judaism that are not secured, pay close attention to surroundings when in areas identified with Israel or Judaism, report any threat or attack to local security forces, and stay away from areas known for hostility toward Israelis and Jews.

“The National Security Council reaffirms its assessment that the Iranian regime will work more vigorously to carry out terrorist attacks abroad against Israeli/Jewish targets,” it said.

The NSC also recommended that Passover events not be held in open spaces.

It noted the rise in antisemitic attacks worldwide, such as the recent torching of a car in Antwerp, Belgium on Tuesday, and of four ambulances belonging to a Jewish community organization in London on Monday.

With the Iran war and constant missile threat leading to massive restrictions on air travel, some Israelis have been leaving or returning to the country through land crossings with Jordan and Egypt. The NSC stressed that it was recommended to use Ben Gurion Airport for travel. Israelis who opt to fly via airports in Jordan or Egypt were advised to do so at the Aqaba or Taba airports, respectively, without staying in those countries longer than necessary.

It said Israelis should also avoid travel to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula — normally a popular tourist destination — if they are not flying out via Taba.

Regarding travel to countries near Iran, such as Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and other Gulf states, the NSC recommended against attending events or holiday meals “at sites identified with Israel/Jews, for fear that these will be the target” of attacks by Iran or its proxies.

The NSC previously published a similar message on March 5.

On Thursday, two men appeared in a London court, accused of being tasked by Iran to carry out hostile surveillance on the Israeli Embassy, Britain’s oldest synagogue, the local Israeli consulate, London’s Bevis Marks Synagogue, a Jewish community center, and the Community Security Trust, a charity that provides security advice for the country’s Jews.

The court appearance came a week after UK media reported that Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, owns two luxury London apartments “overlooking the Israeli embassy” in west London.

On March 6, the Shin Bet and Foreign Ministry announced moves to reinforce security for Israeli civilians and diplomatic missions around the world, amid increased threats.

The NSC posts updates on Facebook and Instagram and can be reached by phone at 02-666-7444 for questions about terror-related travel warnings.