Israel said to bar diplomats from own Times Square event over security fears

Official says concerns over attack heightened following Gaza violence; envoys okayed to attend other events in Midtown celebrating country’s 70th birthday

Israeli diplomats will not be permitted to attend parts of a glitzy New York celebration for the state’s 70th birthday due to security concerns, according to a Monday report.

Diplomats and staffers at Israel’s New York consulate have been warned against attending an event in Times Square scheduled for early June, over fears they could be attacked while celebrating in the outdoor Manhattan landmark, according to Hadashot news.

The warning came after clashes at the Gaza border that left over 60 Palestinians dead last week led to increased anger against Israelis around the world. Hamas said 50 of the dead were its members.

“We forbid any participation or presence of any emissaries or employees at this event,” a message from the head of security at the New York consulate read, according to the Hadashot report. “This is a highly sensitive event without our ability to provide sufficient security. It should be noted that the New York police, including the highest echelons, stress that it is a very high-risk event, particularly at this time.”

The Foreign Ministry confirmed to Hadashot that diplomats were told not to attend the Times Square event but stressed that they would be attending all other associated events being thrown by Israel.

“We received a clear directive not to be in the street or the square itself,” the ministry said. However, “the diplomats will attend the main event, which will be held in the hall of the Renaissance Hotel.”

The June 3 celebration will coincide with the city’s annual Celebrate Israel parade, which marches down Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue from 57th to 74th streets.

The Times Square event will include the screening of a short film about Israel on the jumbo television screens there.