State Department raises Israel travel advisory to Level 3.
OAN’s Elizabeth Volberding
12:27 PM – Thursday, October 12, 2023
The United States has altered its travel advisory warning on Israel to “Level 3” due to the tragic attacks on the country, suggesting that American citizens should “reconsider” their plans to travel there.
Over a thousand people have been killed and thousands more have been injured since the Islamic terrorist group, Hamas, launched a surprise invasion from Gaza into Israel last Saturday.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced a state of “alert for war” in the country early on Saturday morning.
The city of Gaza is currently set at “Level 4,” which is known as a “do not travel” zone.
“Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza,” the State Department wrote in its advisory. “Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities.”
“Violence can occur in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza without warning. There has been a marked increase in demonstrations throughout Israel, some with little or no warning,” the warning continued.
Additionally, the State Department further warned American citizens that are planning to travel to Israel in the near future to familiarize themselves with the nearest bomb shelters wherever they may be visiting.
This past Sunday, Israel officially declared war against Hamas.
The country has since deployed thousands of military troops to the border surrounding Gaza. According to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a ground invasion of Gaza has the possibility of approaching.
The U.S. has committed to providing full support to Israel as the tragic attacks are ongoing. President Joe Biden has commanded that two U.S. aircraft carriers should deploy to the eastern Mediterranean Sea to assist with the war.
“The arrival of the world’s largest aircraft carrier – the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group – in the Eastern Mediterranean yesterday sends a strong signal of deterrence should any actor hostile to Israel consider trying to escalate or widen this war,” the White House said in a statement.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has continued to recommend U.S. airlines and pilots to “use caution” when located in an Israeli airspace. Therefore, the agency declared a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) to pilots on Saturday.
The NOTAM stated that there is a “potentially hazardous situation” and “operators are advised to exercise extreme caution.”
Additionally, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) declared a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB) for the airspace of Israel on Sunday, encouraging that air operators “ensure that a robust risk assessment is in place together with a high level of contingency planning for their operations and to be ready for short notice instructions from the Israeli authorities.”
As of Thursday morning, all prominent U.S. airlines and many foreign aircraft carriers have suspended flights to and from Israel. American Airlines made the decision to cancel flights that were scheduled to travel to and from Tel Aviv until December 4th.
“We continue to monitor and will make any additional adjustments as needed,” American Airlines explained in a statement to ABC News.
Delta Airlines has also announced that it has suspended flights to the area under attack specifically through the end of October. Other major airlines, including United and Air Canada, similarly suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv until “conditions allow them to resume.”
Other major airlines, including United and Air Canada, have also suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv until conditions allow them to resume.
“Our hearts are with those who are impacted as our people work to find safe alternatives for customers trying to depart to Tel Aviv,” said Delta Airlines.
American citizens in Israel have been told to “follow local government advice to increase their security awareness and remain safe,” the State Department said.
U.S. citizens who are in need of assistance are recommended to fill out a crisis intake form in order to contact their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
“U.S. citizens who wish to leave and can do so safely are advised to check the status of the border crossings or verify flights have not been canceled before heading to the Ben Gurion Airport,” the State Department claimed.
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What are the consequences of the recent attacks by Hamas in terms of casualties and the impact on the safety of residents and visitors?
And heavy artillery to the border with Gaza in preparation for a ground offensive. The situation in the region remains highly volatile and unstable.
The travel advisory level change by the United States is a reflection of the escalating violence and security concerns in Israel. The State Department is urging American citizens to reconsider their travel plans and take necessary precautions if they do decide to visit the country.
The recent attacks by Hamas have had devastating consequences, with over a thousand people killed and thousands more injured. These acts of terrorism have put the entire region on high alert and raised concerns about the safety of residents and visitors alike.
The Israeli Defense Forces have declared a state of alert for war, indicating the seriousness of the situation. The country is not taking any chances and is taking proactive measures to protect its citizens and secure its borders.
Gaza City, where the attacks originated, is now classified as a “do not travel” zone. The level 4 designation means that any travel to this area is highly discouraged due to the imminent danger and potential for further violence.
The State Department’s travel advisory also highlights the ongoing threat of terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists, and other violent extremists in the region. These actors may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and government facilities without warning.
Furthermore, the advisory warns of a marked increase in demonstrations throughout Israel, with some occurring spontaneously and without prior notice. The situation is fluid and unpredictable, making it essential for travelers to stay informed and exercise caution.
A key recommendation from the State Department is for American citizens planning to visit Israel to familiarize themselves with the location of the nearest bomb shelters. This precautionary measure underscores the potential for further attacks and the need for individuals to be prepared for emergency situations.
Israel’s declaration of war against Hamas has heightened tensions in the region. The deployment of thousands of military troops and heavy artillery to the border indicates that the country is prepared to take decisive action to protect its citizens and combat the threat posed by Hamas.
In conclusion, the change in the United States’ travel advisory for Israel to “Level 3” reflects the heightened security concerns and violence in the region. American citizens are strongly urged to reconsider travel plans and take necessary precautions if they do decide to visit. The situation in Israel and Gaza remains volatile, and individuals should stay informed and exercise caution at all times.
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