State Department Issues Travel Advisory Against Visiting Northern Israel

An Israeli soldier moves on the top of a tank near the Israel–Gaza border, as seen from southern Israel, on July 14, 2024. (Tsafrir Abayov/AP Photo)

The U.S. Department of State updated its travel advisory for Israel, asking citizens to avoid certain areas where conflict situations can intensify.

The agency is advising Americans against traveling to Northern Israel “within 2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders due to the rising tensions between Hizballah and Israel,” said a July 31 advisory. “Cross-border rocket, missile, and drone strikes continue to impact this area daily and have resulted in casualties. The Israeli authorities already restrict travel to these areas.”

It pointed out that the U.S. government has already restricted embassy personnel from traveling to these regions. “Any U.S. government travel to this area is done in full coordination with Israeli security forces.”

The travel update comes after leaders from two Islamic terror groups were recently killed. Fuad Shukr, the top military leader of the Hezbollah terrorist group, was killed on Tuesday in an airstrike, with the Israel Defense Force (IDF) taking responsibility for the incident.

Ismail Haniyeh, the political chairman of the Hamas terrorist group, was killed the next day while in Iran. Israel has not claimed responsibility for this incident. The two deaths heightened tensions in a region already battered by heavy conflict.

Iran’s Islamic leader, Ali Khamenei, has vowed to take revenge against the Jewish state. Both Hamas and Hezbollah are backed by Iran. While Hamas operates in Palestinian regions, Hezbollah has its stronghold in southern Lebanon.

The advisory also asked people to reconsider travel to Israel overall, citing the risk of civil unrest and terrorism. The security situation in the country “remains unpredictable,” it said.

U.S. citizens should “remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire, often take place without warning.”

The State Department has also classified Lebanon under the “Level 4: Do Not Travel” category, citing tensions between Hezbollah and Israel.

“Since October 8, Hizballah has conducted attacks against Israel that have escalated in recent weeks, culminating in a July 27 rocket attack on Majdal Shams, a town in the Golan Heights, which killed 12 children. This strike has increased the risk of further escalation between Hizballah and Israel,” the advisory stated.

“The Lebanese government cannot guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict.”

Flight Cancellations, Other National Warnings

The U.S. Embassy in Israel recommends Americans who are already in the country to join the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, a free service that enables the embassy to contact citizens in case of emergencies.

It warned Americans to avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings as well as all areas with a heavy police presence.

Some flights between the United States and Israel that were previously restarted have once again been canceled.

“Delta flights between New York-JFK and Tel Aviv will be paused through Friday, Aug. 2, due to ongoing conflict in the region,” the airline said on Wednesday. “Sales of flights for DL234 on Jul. 31 and Aug. 1, and DL235 on Aug. 1 and Aug. 2. are suspended.”

“Delta is continuously monitoring the evolving security environment and assessing our operations based on security guidance and intelligence reports and will communicate any updates as needed.”

The airline has issued travel waivers to customers who booked flights dated before Aug. 14.

Meanwhile, other nations have also issued travel warnings, advising its citizens not to travel to Israel. Canada recommended avoiding all non-essential travel to the country.

Israel is facing drone, rocket, and missile attacks from armed groups in neighboring nations like Yemen, Syria, and Iraq. These attacks can disrupt air transportation and lead to prolonged airspace closures. Meanwhile, military interceptions can cause collateral damage, it said.

Canada asked all citizens who are already in Israel to avoid traveling within five kilometers (3.1 miles) of the Lebanese border.

The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to certain parts of Israel like the West Bank. For other parts, only essential travel is recommended.

Individuals who travel against FCDO advice could see their travel insurance invalidated, the agency warned.