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Wednesday, July 22, 2026
US embassy urges caution among American citizens in Israel amid uptick in organized crime
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleNava Freiberg is The Times of Israel's deputy diplomatic correspondent.
In an unusual move, the US embassy in Jerusalem issues a warning to US citizens to remain cautious amid a recent uptick in organized crime incidents.
In a statement, the embassy says it is “is closely monitoring reports of a spike in violence connected to rivalries between Israeli organized crime groups,” noting that the attacks “appear to be targeting businesses and homes associated with the groups involved, primarily in the Tel Aviv, Jaffa and Herzliya neighborhoods.”
The embassy calls on US citizens to “stay alert, especially in commercial areas during evening and overnight hours” and “avoid locations with police activity and follow instructions from local authorities.”
???? Security Alert for U.S. Citizens in Israel: The U.S. Embassy Jerusalem is monitoring reports of increased violence linked to rival Israeli organized crime groups, primarily affecting parts of Tel Aviv, Jaffa, and Herzliya.
U.S. citizens are encouraged to:
• Stay alert,… pic.twitter.com/kcM3XoRhsZ— U.S. Embassy Jerusalem (@usembassyjlm) July 22, 2026
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