Israel Warns of Heightened Terror Threat to Jews and Israelis Abroad Ahead of Holidays

Israel's National Security Council has issued a warning regarding a heightened terror threat to Israelis and Jews worldwide leading up to the High Holy Days. The council identified Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and global jihadist groups as the primary drivers of this threat. According to the assessment, Iran is expanding its efforts to target Israelis and Jews through its security apparatus, including the IRGC Quds Force, and by utilizing criminal organizations and proxy groups. Hamas is also reportedly investing resources to establish terrorist infrastructure in Europe for the purpose of carrying out revenge attacks.

Security officials noted that the third anniversary of the October 7 massacre is a particularly sensitive period that may see intensified attacks and violent protests. The NSC specifically highlighted Azerbaijan, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates as areas exposed to Iranian activity. It maintained Level 4 travel warnings for Jordan, Qatar, Somaliland, and Egypt, while travel to Iraq, Yemen, Iran, Syria, and Lebanon remains prohibited under Israeli law. Travelers were advised to avoid displaying Jewish identifiers, such as kippot, and to limit speaking Hebrew in crowded public places in certain regions.

A senior National Security Council official stated that Israeli security agencies have thwarted dozens of plots over the past year through cooperation with foreign governments. The official claimed that Israeli strikes inside Iran have changed the operational environment by targeting elements involved in terrorism. While the center lean coverage focused on the general warning and the death toll of 25 Israelis and Jews killed overseas since the war began, center right coverage emphasized the success of Israeli security agencies in preventing attacks and the significant damage inflicted upon Hezbollah and Iran.