2006 Warden Messages
Warden Messsage
March 14, 2006
The U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem urges American citizens to defer all travel to the West Bank and Gaza in light of threats made against American citizens by terrorist groups following an attack on Jericho Prison by Israeli Defense Forces after departure of American and British monitors from the prison. The security situation in the West Bank and Gaza remains tense and unpredictable, with the possibility of violent protests directed against the IDF operation and against British and American citizens and interests.
The Consulate General asks all U.S. citizens to read the State Department Travel Warning for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza dated February 27, 2006, which can be found at http://travel.state.gov/. Uncertain security conditions within the West Bank and Gaza continue, with the potential for violent protests, kidnappings, including of foreign nationals, and fighting between various armed factions.
Americans in Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip are strongly encouraged to register with the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens who require emergency services may telephone the Consulate General in Jerusalem at (972)(2) 622-7250. Current information on travel and security in Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank may be obtained from the Department of State by calling toll-free 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada or, from overseas, a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8 am to 8 pm Eastern Time Monday through Friday, except U.S. federal holidays. U.S. citizens should consult the Consular Information Sheet for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza; the Travel Warning for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, the Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement; and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement on the Department's Internet website at http://travel.state.gov/. Up-to-date information on security conditions can also be accessed at http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov.