Australia advises citizens to leave Israel, Palestinian territories if ‘safe to do so’

Australia tells its citizens to leave Israel if possible, citing a “high threat of military reprisals and terrorist attacks,” issuing a similar warning for the Palestinian territories.

“We urge Australians in both Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories to depart if it’s safe to do so,” the Department of Foreign Affairs says in a travel advisory update.

Australia’s government had previously told citizens to avoid travel to both areas if possible and, if concerned, to leave.

This more urgent warning comes after Iran’s massive drone and missile barrage on Israel over the weekend and a reported Israeli strike on a military base in Isfahan overnight.

“Military attacks may result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and diversions and other travel disruptions,” Australia’s diplomats say.

“Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport may pause operations due to heightened security concerns at any time, and at short notice.”