Israel Warns of Heightened Terror Threat to Travelers Ahead of High Holidays

The NSC singled out the upcoming third anniversary of the Oct. 7 massacre as a potential flashpoint.

By United with Israel Staff

Israel’s National Security Council warned Israelis traveling abroad to exercise heightened caution ahead of the Jewish High Holidays, citing growing threats from Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas and global jihadist organizations.

The NSC stressed that the assessment does not constitute new travel warnings, but reflects updated terrorism trends and the threat they pose to Israelis and Jews around the world.

According to the council, the continuing conflicts with Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas and other hostile actors have increased the danger to Israelis overseas, while intensifying anti-Israel rhetoric and incitement have fueled motivation to attack Jewish and Israeli targets.

The NSC singled out the upcoming third anniversary of the Oct. 7 massacre as a potential flashpoint, warning that it could bring demonstrations, including potentially violent protests, as well as increased efforts by terrorist organizations to carry out attacks.

Iran and its proxies remain the primary global terrorist threat to Israelis and Jews, the council said. Tehran is seeking revenge for the blows it has suffered in recent years and has used terrorist networks, proxies and even criminal organizations to pursue Israeli targets abroad.

Those targets include Israeli diplomatic missions, senior officials, security personnel, Jewish community institutions and ordinary Israeli travelers.

Hezbollah also remains a significant threat as it seeks revenge for the heavy losses it has suffered in its war with Israel and the elimination of senior members of its leadership.

Hamas, meanwhile, is investing significant efforts in establishing terrorist infrastructure in Europe and other countries to carry out revenge or high-profile attacks against Jews and Israelis, according to the assessment.

The NSC also warned that ISIS and Al-Qaeda continue to explicitly call for attacks on Jews, particularly in Africa and Asia, while seeking opportunities for attacks in Europe and the United States. The Houthis have similarly called for attacks against Israelis traveling to Somaliland and elsewhere in Africa.

The council highlighted the growing danger from lone-wolf terrorism, saying 25 Israelis and Jews have been killed in terrorist attacks abroad since the war began. Such attackers often operate independently and target accessible locations such as synagogues, community centers and mass gatherings.

Azerbaijan, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates were singled out as particularly exposed to Iranian terrorist activity due to their proximity to Iran.

Jordan, Qatar, Somaliland and Egypt, including the Sinai Peninsula, remain under Level 4 travel warnings, with Israelis urged to avoid them entirely. The NSC also advised against connecting through Level 4 countries whenever possible and warned travelers not to leave airport terminals during transit there.

Israelis are legally prohibited from traveling to Iran, Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, Yemen, Syria and Lebanon. The council also urged Israelis to avoid Saudi Arabia, where travel is legally restricted, as well as Bangladesh, Somalia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Libya and Algeria.

Travelers were advised to avoid displaying Israeli or Jewish symbols, including kippahs and Hebrew-language clothing, and to limit speaking Hebrew in crowded areas in countries under Level 3 warnings.

The NSC also urged Israelis not to post their locations on social media in real time and advised current and former members of the security forces to conceal or remove online material identifying their military service.

Israelis were told to remain especially vigilant around synagogues, Chabad houses and kosher restaurants, stay away from demonstrations and avoid political discussions with strangers.

In an emergency, travelers should first contact local security forces before notifying Israeli assistance services, the council said.