Updated on 19 November 2019
The Situation:
On 18 November 2019, following the announcement from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
indicating the United States was softening its position on Israel’s Jewish settlements, the
U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem released a security alert:
The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens in or considering travel to or through Jerusalem, the
West Bank, or Gaza to maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to
increase their security awareness in light of the current environment. Individuals and
groups opposed to the Secretary of State’s recent announcement may target U.S.
government facilities, U.S. private interests, and U.S. citizens. Potential targets include
public events, such as demonstrations, holiday events, and celebratory gatherings; hotels,
clubs, and restaurants popular with U.S. citizens; places of worship; schools; shopping
malls and markets; tourism infrastructure; public transportation and airports.
U.S. citizens should carefully consider risks to their personal safety and security at sites and
events that are potential targets. In addition, U.S. citizens in the West Bank, Gaza, and
Jerusalem should avoid non-essential movements and events that attract attention. U.S.
citizens should carefully consider risks to their personal safety and security at sites and
events that are potential targets.
The U.S. government currently prohibits travel by U.S. government employees to the
entirety of the West Bank, including Jericho and Bethlehem, as well as to Jerusalem’s Old
City, its immediate vicinity, and its gates. This includes the portions of routes 1, 443, and 90
that pass through the West Bank. Demonstration and other conflicts are possible in and
around the above-mentioned locations
Mitigating Measures to Consider Applying:
Travel with caution
Avoid travel in the West Bank, including Bethlehem and Jericho, as well as the portions of routes 1, 443, and 90 that traverse the West Bank
Avoid travel to the immediate vicinity of Jerusalem’s Old City and its gates
Avoid travel to or in the vicinity of Gaza
Limit additional overland travel
Remain aware of your surroundings
Avoid all demonstrations, which have the possibility of turning violent
Monitor local and social media for updates
Follow the instructions of local authorities
Enroll in a smart traveler program to receive warnings from your preferred embassy
DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless
Disclaimer: LSDS gathers information from multiple sources and offers insight and perspective to travelers. Sources cannot be validated for accuracy in every instance. Travelers assume all risk associated with their travel and are responsible for the decisions associated with travel and for their own safety. Users of this reference document agree, to hold harmless LSDS (LLC) its employees and clients associated with any risk or injury incurred during travel.
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