Warning to US Citizens of ‘Operation Cloud Pillar’

‘Operation Cloud Pillar’ has begun by the IDF in defense against the terrorism perpetrated on Israeli citizens who have recently been targeted with over 150 rockets shot into southern Israel from the populated areas of Gaza. This seems like the beginning of a new Israeli offense, one in which the government’s goal is to cause extensive damage to the long-range striking capabilities of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, supplied to them by Iran.

The following is the notice sent out to U.S. Citizens thru the US Embassy in Tel Aviv.

Security Message for U.S. Citizens

United States Embassy Tel Aviv

November 14, 2012

U.S. citizens are encouraged to exercise caution and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety and security in light of the escalating level of violence in Gaza and southern Israel. U.S. citizens should pay close attention to your surroundings and news reports, and follow the civil defense guidance provided by the Home Front Command. U.S. embassy personnel stationed in areas near Gaza have been instructed to curtail all non-essential travel and to shelter in place for the next 24 hours. Visitors and U.S.citizens living in Israel should also familiarize themselves with the locations of their nearest bomb shelters (often referred to as secure or protected rooms). The Government of Israel’s Home Front Command website provides information on how to choose a secure space or room in a home or apartment. Visitors may also seek information on shelters from hotel staff or building managers. Please click here for further emergency preparedness guidance provided by the Home Front Commandhttp://www.oref.org.il/International/14-en/PAKAR.aspx

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State’s Internet websitewhere theWorldwide Caution, Country Specific Information for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alertscan be found, including the current Travel Warning for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. You can also follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitterand on Facebook. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747toll-free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers outside of the United States and Canada, on a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. citizens are advised to maintain valid travel documents and enroll with the Department of State or the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem through the State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/.

For further information, U.S. citizens may telephone the Consulate General in Jerusalem at (972) (2) 630-4000 or the Embassy in Tel Aviv at (972) (3) 519-7575 during working hours. After hours (for emergencies), U.S. citizens may telephone either the Consulate General at: (972) (2) 622-7250, or the Embassy in Tel Aviv at: (972) (3) 519-7551. Up-to-date information on security conditions can also be accessed at http://israel.usembassy.govor http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov/.