US restricts travel for personnel in Israel amid rising fears of Iran attack

The State Department has issued updated security warnings for U.S. government employees in Israel, amid warnings that Iran is expected to launch a retaliatory attack on the country.

The U.S. Embassy in Israel issued a security alert Thursday restricting American employees and their family members from personal travel outside of the greater Tel Aviv area, Jerusalem and the southern city of Be’er Sheva “until further notice.”

The embassy said it was issuing the security alert “out of an abundance of caution.” It added that additional restrictions could be issued without advance notice “in response to security incidents.”

It also advised U.S. citizens in the country to consult ongoing travel advisories and “be aware of the continuing risks of travel to Israel.”

The warning comes as the Biden administration is sounding the alarm that the region is on the cusp of a potential, very significant Iranian military response to an April 1 attack on its embassy in Syria. The suspected Israeli attack killed seven Iranian military advisers, including three senior members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. 

John Kirby, the White House communications adviser for national security, said Friday that the administration believes the Iranian threat is “viable.” 

“We’re watching it very, very closely,” he said.

“We have been and continue to stay in close touch with our Israeli counterparts about preparations for this threat.”

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