The National Security Council on Sunday warned of terror threats against Israelis and Jews abroad ahead of the Jewish holiday season and singled out the upcoming anniversary of the October 7, 2023 massacre, for special concern, warning them to exercise caution and refrain from displaying Israeli or Jewish symbols.
The notice outlined “key trends in global terrorist activity” but did not issue specific new travel warnings for any locations.
According to the NSC, which is part of the Prime Minister’s Office, Iran and its proxies Hamas and Hezbollah, and global jihadi groups Islamic State, al-Qaeda and al-Shabab, remain highly motivated to target Israelis and Jews worldwide.
“Hamas is also expanding its own activities beyond the war in Gaza to establish terrorist infrastructure and carry out terrorist attacks against Jews and Israelis abroad,” the report said.
The assessment also warned of the wider threat posed by Tehran, noting that “Iran is increasingly motivated by retaliation” after the recent war with Israel.
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The council warned that October 7 — the second anniversary of Hamas’s attack on Israel — could “again this year serve as a significant date for terror organizations, particularly Hamas and global jihadi elements to carry out attacks against Israeli/Jewish targets abroad — whether through planned operations or local initiatives/lone attackers.”
ILLUSTRATIVE: Travelers walk with their luggage following the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, at Ben Gurion International Airport, near Tel Aviv, Israel, June 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
The NSC noted a rise in violent antisemitic incidents alongside incitement on social media, fueled by what it describes as anti-Israel campaigns since the outbreak of the war in Gaza.
It urged Israelis to continue to exercise extreme caution abroad by avoiding displaying Israeli or Jewish symbols, speaking Hebrew in public, joining large unsecured gatherings, or sharing any content about military service or locations on social media.
The council advised against travel to high-risk countries including Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen — which is in any case forbidden by law — as well as Egypt (including Sinai), Turkey, Jordan, and others.
A row of aircrafts belonging to Israeli airlines El Al sit parked along the apron of Cyprus’ main airport in Larnaca, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)
In case of suspected threats abroad, Israelis should first contact local security services and then the NSC’s hotline at +972-2-6667444.
The NSC has issued similar assessments during the last few major Jewish holiday seasons, pointing to a heightened risk for Jews and Israelis abroad since the war in Gaza started nearly two years ago, after the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attacks.
Many Israelis take trips abroad during the High Holy Days period that begins next week with the start of Rosh Hashanah and ends three weeks later with the conclusion of Sukkot.
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