PALIS TARGET AMERICANS IN ISRAEL, TERRITORIES

US: Increase awareness at embassy in Tel Aviv (YNet)
State Department issues warning that American buildings targeted for suicide bombings; citizens told to leave Gaza, West Bank, exercise caution

WASHINGTON - The American State Department has issued a warning Saturday to citizens and residents of the US living in Israel. The warning was released after information was received that suicide bombings were planned against American institutes, restaurants and businesses in Israel that are connected to the US, especially in Jerusalem.

The warning refers to the "general state of security in Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and to the repeated threats against American citizens and sites."

The State Department added that "the Israeli authorities are concerned by the continued threat of suicide attacks," and that "the US government has received information that American interests might be targeted for terrorist attacks."

Americans were cautioned to leave the Gaza Strip immediately and to refrain from entering the West Bank. They are asked to be attentive in the vicinity of American buildings such as the embassy in Tel Aviv and the consulate in Jerusalem. American tourists are requested to "remain alert and watchful, and exercise discretion in restaurants, coffee shops, malls, work places and theaters."

Americans have also been asked to avoid crowded places and "street vendors who can aggressively hassle tourists. Take into account that American employees are forbidden to enter discotheques, night clubs, busses and trains."

The Old City of Jerusalem is off limits for American diplomats and their family members at night and during Friday prayers. American government employees are forbidden to enter the West Bank, except for critical missions, coordinated.

American diplomats and their family members are permitted to drive through the West Bank on routes numbers 1 and 90 towards Allenby Bridge, Ein Gedi and Masada, or towards Beit She'an. This can only be done in day-light and after coordinating it with the American Consulate. Route 443 between Modiin and Jerusalem is only permissible in daylight after informing the consulate.