US Embassy tightens movement rules for staff across Israel

The United States has imposed new movement restrictions on its diplomatic personnel in Israel amid rising tensions in the Middle East, an official statement from the US Embassy said.

The US Embassy Jerusalem and its Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv have introduced limitations on staff travel across Israeli territory. US government employees are now prohibited from visiting areas near Israel’s borders with Lebanon, Egypt, and the Gaza Strip. Travel to most parts of the West Bank has also been restricted.

The measures come in response to changes in the security environment. Israel’s Home Front Command has updated its own guidance, permitting full activity without restrictions in most areas, with the exception of certain communities in northern Israel.

The advisory also noted that the previous shelter-in-place order for US government employees and their family members has been lifted.

In addition, the US Embassy stated that its consular sections in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv will continue to operate and provide both routine and emergency services on June 10.

By Vafa Guliyeva