US embassy shuts consulates in Israel as amid Iranian strikes
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AFP photo.
Jerusalem: The United States Embassy in Israel announced that its consular sections in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv will remain closed on Monday amid heightened security concerns following recent Iranian missile attacks, a report by Middle East Monitor said.
In a statement issued on Sunday evening, the embassy said all US government employees and their family members in Israel had been instructed to shelter in place and remain prepared to move to protected shelters in the event of emergency alerts. The directive was issued in response to the prevailing security situation and alerts issued by Israel's Home Front Command across multiple regions.
The embassy said consular services would be suspended on June 8 until further notice. American citizens in Israel were advised to closely follow instructions issued by local authorities and the Home Front Command and to seek immediate shelter in the event of sirens, missile strikes or hostile aerial threats.
The embassy also encouraged US nationals to enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security alerts and updates from US authorities.
The precautionary measures came after Iran launched multiple barrages of missiles toward northern Israel on Sunday evening. Tehran described the attacks as a response to an Israeli air strike on Beirut's southern suburbs.
Israel said the strike targeted a Hezbollah command and planning centre. The latest exchange has further heightened tensions in the region, prompting increased security measures and concerns over a wider escalation of the conflict.