Travelers advised to remain alert
Photo: AFP
Warning: Mediterranean Basin dangerous
Counter Terrorism Bureau issues general travel advisory, warning of terror organizations' intention to kidnap Israelis, Jews in Mediterranean Basin, Far East during Passover holiday. State official says sensitive destinations include Turkey, Egypt, Libya and Greece
The Counter Terrorism Bureau (CTB) issued a travel advisory on Sunday, warning Israelis not to visit the Mediterranean Basin and the Far East. The advisory did not list the names of specific countries, but a security establishment official noted that the advisory refers to Turkey, Egypt, Libya and Greece, with a speical emphasis on Crete.
According to the official, the warning specifically refers to the days prior to the Passover Seder, and
that a new estimate of the situation will be conducted after the first day of the holiday.
Following recent escalation in the Gaza Strip, the bureau warned of terror organizations' intention to attack Israelis and Jews prior to and during the Passover holiday.
Terror Plan
Attila Somfalvi
Officials issue grave warning saying terrorists plan to kidnap civilians from within Israel, Sinai
This is the third travel advisory published during the past few weeks; in March, Israeli citizens were advised not to fly to Iraq, and last week a grave warning called Israelis to immediately get out of the Sinai Peninsula, after the IDF killed a terrorist cell that was planning to kidnap Israelis from the popular resort destination.
Remain alert
In the latest advisory, the Counter Terrorism Bureau warned to stay away from destinations known to be popular among Israeli travelers, but did not give any special instructions in addition to those usually issued.The bureau advised travelers to remain alert and avoid crowded tourist attractions. Travelers were also advised to avoid inviting suspicious or unexpected visitors to their hotel rooms or place of residence, and decline any unusual or tempting offer, including sudden invitations for meetings at remote locations and during nighttime.
In addition, those living abroad were advised to change their daily routine by alternating their driving routes and switching their usual dining and recreation spots.
Last week, the Counter Terrorism Bureau published its annual general travel advisory in Israel and abroad. Other than a special emphasis on the Sinai Peninsula, the report mentioned Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, Georgia, Armenia, Kenya and Nigeria.
The report also noted that the threat against Israelis abroad has increased –especially against officials and former officials currently working as businessmen in the global arena – due to Iranian and Hezbollah officials that have blamed Israel of harming their activists.
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