Israel is shutting its embassies around the world and has urged citizens to stay alert and not display Jewish or Israeli symbols in public places, statements posted on embassy websites said on Friday, June 13, after Israel launched large-scale attacks on Iran and its rogue nuclear program.
The statement said Israeli missions around the world will be closed, and consular services will not be provided.
“In light of recent developments, Israeli missions around the world will be closed and consular services will not be provided,” the statement said.
Israel also advised its citizens abroad to fill out a survey, to update the government on their location and situation.
Some of the directives issued to Israeli citizens include;
- In the event of an emergency or distress – you can immediately contact the Situation Room at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 02-5303155 *and the local security services.*
- In any case, please follow the recommendations of the National Security Headquarters in the country where you are staying, and the general recommendations for Israelis staying abroad, which are detailed below: a). Avoid externalizing Jewish and Israeli symbols in the public sphere. b). Avoid posting identifying details about your whereabouts or future plans on social media. c). Avoid attending large-scale events associated with Israel or Judaism. d). Cooperate with local security forces, obey their instructions immediately if you are exposed to hostile activity. e). Maintain increased vigilance in public places.
Back on October 7, 2023, a similar form was given by the ministry, following the Hamas attack, to coordinate the return of reservists and organize rescue flights if necessary.
However, no timeframe was given for how long the embassies would be closed. A person picking up the phone at the embassy in Berlin gave no further details.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, June 13, said Germany was stepping up protection of Jewish and Israeli sites.
Israel says it has since attacked nuclear facilities and missile factories in Iran, killing several top military commanders in the process, in an operation that is seen as Israel trying to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon.
In his first public comments on the Israeli strikes against Iran, U.S President Donald Tump said Tehran had brought the destruction on itself and must continue nuclear talks.
“I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal,” he wrote on Truth Social, his social media platform, on Friday. “I told them, in the strongest of words, to ‘just do it,’ but no matter how hard they tried, no matter how close they got, they just couldn’t get it done.”
“Certain Iranian hardliner’s spoke bravely, but they didn’t know what was about to happen. They are all DEAD now, and it will only get worse!” Trump added.
