In an attack or other armed conflict, you should take shelter, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media and public safety information updates through the National Emergency Portal (accessible in Israel only – see ‘Safety’). Try to get to an underground shelter if possible, or at minimum seek a shelter close to ground level. Confirm the location of your nearest fully enclosed emergency shelter – don’t rely on online maps. Be aware of your environment and avoid government, military or energy infrastructure, including oil production facilities, and US diplomatic locations.
Consider a commercial option to depart if you can secure one and it is safe to do so. You should consider recent attacks in your area and that airports and aircraft are more vulnerable to these strikes. Ben Gurion International Airport may close with little or no notice. You should verify the status of any border crossing before you travel by air, land or sea. Make sure you have access to food, water and essential medicines. Consider that airlines may cease operating at short notice, and you may need to find accommodation. Availability of accommodation may be limited.
Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members in Israel can register on DFAT’s registration portal to receive direct updates from DFAT. See the Safety overview section for details on how to register. Keep your registration details up to date so we can contact you with important updates.
US Embassies in the Middle East are issuing local security alerts. We encourage you to monitor US alerts in your location and follow this guidance (see ‘Safety’).
Terror attacks can occur anywhere at any time, including by lone actors. Be alert to personal safety risks. There continues to be a very high threat of military and terrorist attacks against Israel, Israeli and Jewish interests across the region.
Israel has a naval blockade in place along the coast of Gaza (Palestine). Don’t join others seeking to break the blockade. Previous attempts to break the blockade have resulted in death, injury, arrest or deportation of foreigners.
The Australian Government has directed the departure of all dependants of Australian officials posted to Israel in response to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.
If you need emergency consular assistance, contact the Australian Government’s Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (if you’re overseas) and 1300 555 135 (in Australia).
We continue to advise do not travel to border areas with Gaza (Palestine) or Lebanon. If you intend to travel by land into a neighbouring country, check the latest public information from local authorities on entry requirements and border arrangements, including opening times. Border crossing points may be closed without notice (see ‘Travel’).
We now advise:
Do not travel to Israel overall due to the volatile security situation, armed conflict, civil unrest and terrorism.
