Israel, the West Bank and Gaza - Travel Warning
 

Israel, the West Bank and Gaza - Travel Warning
August 10, 2001
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer travel to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. There is a heightened threat of terrorist incidents in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. Several recent terrorist bombings in Israel have resulted in numerous deaths and serious injuries of civilians, including American citizens, some there as tourists. Further, the situation in Gaza and the West Bank remains extremely volatile with continuing confrontations and clashes. U.S. Government personnel in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza are under tight security controls, including prohibition of unofficial travel to the West Bank and Gaza and the city of Jerusalem or areas within the city, depending on current security conditions. Private Americans who remain in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza despite this warning should follow similar precautions and remain in close communication with the American Embassy in Tel Aviv and the American Consulate General in Jerusalem. American citizens residing in the West Bank and Gaza should consider relocating to a safe location, if they can do so safely.

American citizens in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza should also exercise extreme caution and avoid shopping areas, malls, restaurants and cafes, public buses and bus stops and the areas around them as well as crowded areas and demonstrations. U.S. Embassy and Consulate employees and their families have been prohibited from using public buses throughout Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.