The National Security Council warned Thursday of serious concerns over potential attacks against Israelis abroad, saying Iranian-linked actors and other groups may be attempting to target Israeli and Jewish sites overseas.
In a statement, the council said that since the start of Israel’s military campaign against Iran, known as Operation Roaring Lion, it has identified “a surge in motivation and an increase in terrorist activity and threats” by Iranian security bodies and affiliated groups to target Israelis and Jews worldwide.
The advisory said Iranian-linked actors were also attempting kinetic attacks in countries around Iran and across the region, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Jordan, raising concerns about possible strikes against Israeli-related targets in those areas.
The council said several attempted attacks against Israelis had been foiled in recent days. It also warned of an increased threat from lone attackers.
According to the statement, a lone gunman opened fire March 1 in a nightlife district in Austin, Texas, in an attack linked to tensions surrounding U.S. strikes on Iran. In another incident on March 3, gunfire was reported at Jewish-related sites in Toronto, though the suspect had not been identified.
Israel first issued a warning to Israeli travelers abroad on Saturday, the day Operation Roaring Lion began. The updated advisory reiterated and expanded safety guidance for Israelis overseas, including a new warning regarding travel through the United Arab Emirates.
The National Security Council advised Israelis to avoid transit flights through the UAE until further notice. The existing travel advisory for the country remains at Level 3, indicating a moderate threat.
The council also urged Israelis abroad to avoid displaying visible Jewish or Israeli symbols in public and to exercise increased caution worldwide, particularly in countries near Iran, in the Gulf region and in places where travel warnings are already in place.
Travelers were also advised not to share real-time information on social media about their location, accommodations, travel plans or personal details that could reveal their current or future whereabouts.
The advisory further recommended avoiding visits to sites associated with Jewish or Israeli communities, including Chabad centers and synagogues, and remaining alert in areas identified with Israeli or Jewish activity such as restaurants or community centers.
Israelis were urged to report any threat or attack immediately to local security forces and to familiarize themselves with emergency contact numbers in the countries where they are staying.
The council also warned Israelis to avoid entering neighborhoods, districts or markets known for hostility toward Israelis or Jews and to follow the latest travel advisories for specific countries posted on the National Security Council’s website.