The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Israel, warning Britons against ‘all but essential travel’ to the destination, as well as Palestine.
It has also moved some staff from Tel Aviv to ‘another location within Israel’, amid concerns the security situation in the region ‘could escalate quickly’ and international borders might close with little notice.
The previous FCDO advice was against all travel to parts of Israel and Palestine.
The new update reportedly coincides with the increased likelihood of US strikes on Iran. The alert was issued shortly after the UK moved its staff out of its embassy in Iran as a temporary precautionary measure.
In an update on Friday afternoon (27 February), the FCDO said: “FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to Israel and Palestine.”
It added: “We have taken the precautionary measure to temporarily move some of our staff and their dependents from Tel Aviv to another location within Israel. Our embassy continues to operate as normal.
“The situation could escalate quickly and poses significant risks. Regional tensions may cause international borders (air and land) to close.
“If you are in Israel and Palestine, be aware that whilst the frequency of missile and drone attacks has decreased, there is still a risk of rocket and drone attacks throughout Israel. There is a risk of shrapnel from intercepted missiles falling across Israel and Palestine, and possible disruption at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv.
“Political tension can cause demonstrations and clashes around anniversaries and significant events.”
Travellers have been warned to ‘check the local measures in place, that roads are open and, where appropriate, that scheduled train and bus services are operating’.
The FCDO added: “Travel within or out of Israel or Palestine is at your own risk. You are encouraged to follow the advice of local authorities, for example on which routes are open or when to take shelter.”
The US has told non-essential staff at its embassy in Israel that they and their families they could leave if they wished to do so. In an email to staff, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said: “There may be outbound flights over the coming days, there may not be.”
The US Embassy said: “Persons may wish to consider leaving Israel while commercial flights are available.”
