Osama bin Laden
Photo: AP
Israeli missions unfazed by threats over bin Laden
Embassies, consulates worldwide unconcerned that al-Qaeda chief's demise will provoke terror attacks. 'We're always vigilant, there's no hysteria,' diplomat says
Three days have passed since US President Barack Obama announced that US Special Forces have captured and killed al-Qaeda
leader Osama bin Laden, but the Israeli Foreign Ministry has yet to instruct embassies and consulates around the world to increase their security alert level.
"With the unrest sweeping through Middle East counties and ahead of Independence day, we're on high alert as it is," a ministry source told Ynet.
Many defense and security experts have warned that al-Qaeda and its affiliates – and even other terror groups - will now double their efforts to exact vengeance over bin Laden's death.
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Israeli diplomats stationed worldwide told Ynet that while the arch-terrorist's demise did not yield an immediate change is their security status, precautionary measures were still being taken.
"Instinctively, I'm even more aware of my surroundings," one diplomat told Ynet. "We haven’t received any official notice following the assassination, but we're very vigilant as it is, and our security directives are very strict. Still, there is no hysteria here."
Another diplomat, stationed in an Asian country, told Ynet that "We're on high alert as it is, but no special orders have been issued. We feel safe here because there is heightened police presence in the streets. What happened makes for lively conversation, but it doesn’t pose a security issue."
"As far as we are concerned life goes on," said a third diplomat. "Israelis who come here ask if they should be more carful, but we don't think so. We're carrying on with preparations for Independence Day."
Still, an Israeli diplomat stationed in a European country believes it is only a matter of time before the Foreign Ministry issues an order to tighten security procedures, stating that "these things take time."
Ronen Medzini contributed to this report
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