Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem

April 20, 2022

Location: Jerusalem

Event: Security Alert

U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents often take place without warning.   The security environment is complex and can change quickly depending on the political situation and recent events.

Due to recent terrorist attacks, the fact that the Old City of Jerusalem and nearby neighborhoods have been frequent sites of clashes, and potential security issues associated with the April 2022 holidays, U.S. government employees and their family members cannot enter the Old City after dark (dusk to dawn) and on Fridays. Damascus, Herod’s, and Lions’ Gates remain off limits as well.

U.S. citizens can find additional information regarding steps to take in case of mortar and rocket fire in the Country Information for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/IsraeltheWestBankandGaza.html):

Mortar and Rocket Fire: In the event of mortar or rocket fire, a “red alert” siren may be activated. Treat all such alerts as real; follow the instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately. Know the location of your closest shelter or protected space. U.S. government personnel and their family members may be restricted from traveling to areas affected by rocket activity, sirens, and/or the opening of bomb shelters. For additional information on appropriate action to take upon hearing a siren or explosion, see the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command website (available on devices within Israel) or view the Preparedness Information PDF. U.S. citizens may also wish to download the free Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command application on Android or Apple devices to receive real-time security and safety alerts. Free commercial applications, such as Red Alert: Israel, are also available.

U.S. citizens should take this into consideration when planning their own activities.

Actions to Take:

• Refer to our website for the latest Security and Health Alerts: https://il.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ and https://il.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/security-and-travel-information/.
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings
• Avoid all areas where there is a heavy police presence
• Monitor local media
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Enroll in the Department of Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency.
• Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Advisories (including the Travel Advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza) and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Information for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. For additional information, refer to “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy Jerusalem
14 David Flusser St.
Jerusalem
Telephone: +972-2-630-4000

E-mail: JerusalemACS@state.gov
Website: https://il.usembassy.gov/

U.S. Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv
71 HaYarkon St.
Tel Aviv
Telephone: +972-3-519-7575
E-mail: TelAvivACS@state.gov
Website: https://il.usembassy.gov/

State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747or 202-501-4444
Israel, West Bank, and Gaza Country Information
Israel, West Bank, and Gaza Travel Advisory

Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive security updates