US advises citizens not to travel to Israel, UK encourages citizens to register with embassy
The US told its nonessential embassy staff and family members of embassy workers that they can voluntarily leave when they so choose.
The US and the UK issued security warnings to their citizens in Israel amid the current conflict with Iran.
The US State Department warned American nationals not to travel to Israel and raised its travel advisory to the highest level it can be.
In a statement, the State Department said that non-essential embassy personnel and family members of US government employees could leave voluntarily.
The Monday statement noted that “in response to security incidents and without advance notice, the US Embassy may further restrict or prohibit US government employees and their family members from traveling to certain areas of Israel, the Old City of Jerusalem, and the West Bank.”
UK advises citizens to register with embassy
Additionally, the UK advised its citizens to register with the British Embassy in Israel."For British nationals in Israel, we're giving advice today to register their presence," Prime Minister Keir Starmer told reporters at a G7 summit in Canada.
Starmer's spokesperson, speaking at a separate briefing in London, said officials wanted to gather information on British citizens in the region.
"Our key message to British nationals in Israel is to follow the advice of local authorities on staying close to shelter," they said.
"We are also launching a 'register your presence' portal for British nationals in the country in order to build a clearer picture of who is in the region and may need assistance.
"We urge British nationals in Israel to complete this when it becomes available."
The spokesperson said Britain was increasing logistical support for its citizens leaving Israel by land via Jordan and Egypt. Foreign Office officials were already in place at the Jordanian border, they added.
