2004 Travel Warnings

Heightened Alert

October 22, 2004

This message is being issued to inform American citizens in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza that the U.S. Government has recently received information that American interests could be the focus of upcoming terrorist attacks, including within Israel. In addition, American citizens should be aware that instructions provided to American employees of the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv and the American Consulate General in Jerusalem have been clarified to forbid use of all repeat all public transportation, including buses and trains and respective stations/terminals. The Embassy and Consulate General have declared the Old City of Jerusalem off-limits to American personnel Friday during the daytime in the month of Ramadan, expected to conclude November 13, as well as during hours of darkness every day. American citizens should also avoid crowded venues such as shopping and market areas, pedestrian zones, restaurants, cafes, shopping malls, and public demonstrations.

As before, all American citizens in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza are urged to exercise extreme caution and vigilance during their daily routines and to observe the general security precautions provided in previous messages and U.S. government publications. The current Travel Warning for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, along with other relevant information, may be found at http://travel.state.gov. U.S. citizens who require emergency services may telephone the Embassy in Tel Aviv at (972)(0)3-519-7355 or the Consulate General in Jerusalem at (972)(0)2-622-7230 during the day or (972)(0)2-622-7250 at night and on weekends.