US restricts employees’ travel in Israel

New Delhi, Apr 12: In response to heightened tensions in the region, the United States has issued travel restrictions for its employees in Israel, citing concerns over potential attacks by Iran.

The US embassy announced that staff are prohibited from travelling outside the greater Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, or Be’er Sheva areas “out of an abundance of caution” following recent escalations.

Iran has pledged retaliation after Israel conducted a strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria, resulting in casualties. Both the US and Israel are on high alert amid fears of further aggression from Iran or its proxies, exacerbating tensions already fuelled by the conflict in Gaza.

When media questioned the travel restrictions, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller declined to disclose specific assessments but emphasised the ongoing monitoring of the threat environment in the Middle East or West Asia, particularly in Israel.

In a show of solidarity, the UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice, acknowledging the potential for attacks from Iran on Israeli territory and the risk of broader escalation.

Amid diplomatic efforts to quell tensions, UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron has urged restraint in a call with his Iranian counterpart, emphasising the importance of avoiding further escalation.

The situation remains fluid, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaging in discussions with foreign ministers from key nations to deter further escalation.

As concerns persist, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has cautioned that any direct attack by Iran on Israeli soil would prompt a swift response.

With the region on edge, the top US general for the Middle East has visited Israel to assess the situation, highlighting the gravity of the potential Iranian retaliation in the wake of the embassy strike in Syria.