'Do not travel': US issues level 4 advisory for Israel as tension escalates

The US State Department Monday raised its travel advisory for Israel to the highest level and asked Americans to not travel to the country due to "armed conflict, terrorism and civil unrest.

" The level 4 advisory from the State Department came on the fourth day of the ongoing attacks between Israel and Iran in which hundreds have been killed so far."The security situation in Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem is unpredictable, and US citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire and armed UAV intrusions and missiles, can take place without warning," the State Department said in its travel advisory.The department also warned Americans against traveling "for any reason" to the West Bank due to "terrorism and civil unrest" and to Gaza because of "terrorism and armed conflict." It told those who decide to go to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip to take certain precautions, including drafting a will and securing food, supplies and medicine for an "extended or indefinite period" because of closed border crossings with Israel and Egypt.

"The US government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to US citizens in Gaza as U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling there," the advisory said. "The security environment within Gaza and on its borders is extremely dangerous and volatile."The State Department said that the security environment in the region is "complex and can change quickly," and warned that violence can take place in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza without warning.

Additionally, it said "terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza," and may target tourist locations and transportation hubs, as well as areas popular with civilians like markets and shopping malls.The State Department earlier authorized family members of US government personnel as well as non-emergency personnel to voluntarily leave. The mention of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in the updated travel advisory is new. The US Embassy in Israel was closed Monday because of the continued shelter-in-place, U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee said. He wrote on social media that the American consulate in Tel Aviv sustained "minor damage from concussions" of an Iranian missile that hit nearby, but no U.S. personnel were injured.