A heightened security alert has shuttered the US Embassy in Jerusalem through June 20. Rising Israel-Iran tensions prompted the closure, with diplomats and staff ordered to shelter in place.
The embassy issued strict directives for government personnel. Employees and families must remain near residences during the heightened security alert. Travel restrictions now cover Jerusalem, Israel, and the West Bank. Officials warned of sudden rocket attacks or drone incursions. They urged citizens to locate nearby bomb shelters immediately. The advisory noted threats could emerge without warning.
The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for caution and increased personal security awareness including knowing the location of the nearest shelter in the event of a red alert as security incidents, such as mortar, rocket, and missile fire, and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) intrusions, often take place without any warning.
No US-coordinated evacuations currently exist for American citizens. While private groups assist departures, the embassy declined to endorse them. This leaves many travelers scrambling for options. The heightened security alert follows weeks of escalating Mideast violence. Recent Iranian missile tests and Israeli airstrikes fueled tensions. Regional airports canceled flights as hostilities intensified.
Neighboring countries reinforced border defenses. Jordan deployed air patrols while Egypt boosted Sinai security. Commercial airlines rerouted flights away from conflict zones. Diplomatic sources suggest the closure may extend beyond Thursday. The State Department continues monitoring threats hourly. Officials stress avoiding all non-essential movement during this volatile period.
With no ceasefire in sight, the heightened alert underscores growing Middle East instability. Thousands of US citizens now face difficult safety decisions as the crisis deepens.
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