US Issues Security Alert, Advises Citizens In Israel, West Bank, Gaza To Stay Indoors
US Issues Security Alert, Advises Citizens In Israel, West Bank, Gaza To Stay Indoors
In the March 4, 2026, advisory, the embassy said the U.S. government “cares about your safety and will continue to share up-to-the-minute information” to help citizens make informed decisions.
The United States Embassy in Jerusalem has issued an urgent security alert advising Americans in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza to shelter in place while outlining evacuation options for those seeking to leave the region.
In the March 4, 2026, advisory, the embassy said the U.S. government “cares about your safety and will continue to share up-to-the-minute information” to help citizens make informed decisions.
The embassy confirmed that it is ready to assist Americans who wish to depart the Middle East and urged those seeking help to complete the Crisis Intake Form available at its travel website, warning applicants not to submit the form more than once.
The embassy disclosed that both the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and its branch office in Tel Aviv are currently maintaining shelter-in-place orders for all remaining emergency personnel and family members.
It advised all Americans in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza to adopt the same precaution “until further notice,” urging them to remain inside residences or secure buildings and stay away from windows.
“All in-person routine ACS services are canceled through March 6, and in-person emergency services remain postponed,” the statement said.
The embassy said limited flight options were available from Taba and Sharm al-Sheikh in Egypt.
According to the advisory, Israel’s Ministry of Tourism has begun operating shuttle services to the Taba Border Crossing for tourists.
The embassy noted that registration is required via the ministry’s evacuation form, but stressed that it could not recommend for or against using the shuttle service, describing the information as a courtesy.
The embassy further stated that the Taba land crossing into Egypt is operating 24 hours a day, noting that travelers should expect a three-to-four-hour road journey from Taba to Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport, which offers international flight connections.
Discover more
Nigerian political analysis
Legal aid for journalists
African political analysis reports
Travel insurance for journalists
Investigative journalism course
The statement added that U.S. consular officers may be present in Taba to provide limited assistance.
The U.S. Embassy in Cairo recommended that travelers carry at least $85 in cash per person to cross the Taba border, warning that ATMs at the crossing are unreliable.
The embassy also said that travelers may obtain a 30-day visa on arrival for $30 (cash), permitting travel within the Sinai Peninsula and flights departing from Sharm el-Sheikh, including those transiting Cairo.
It stated that a free entry stamp allows travel within South Sinai only and does not permit onward travel to other Egyptian governorates.
In addition, it noted that travelers must pay $20 in cash for a required letter of guarantee issued by Bright Star Tours and $35 in cash for the Taba border exit fee.
The embassy further stated that Americans wishing to cross into Jordan may travel to Eilat and proceed independently to the Yitzhak Rabin Border Crossing.
According to the statement, the King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba is approximately 7.5 kilometers from the crossing and offers scheduled flights, including services by Royal Jordanian Airlines.
The embassy warned of continued security threats, including mortar, rocket, and missile fire, as well as unmanned aircraft system intrusions that may occur without warning.
In the event of a “red alert” siren, the embassy instructed Americans to treat all alerts as real, seek immediate shelter, and follow instructions from local authorities.
The embassy noted that U.S. government personnel and their families may face additional travel restrictions without prior notice, including restrictions on visiting certain areas of Jerusalem’s Old City and parts of the West Bank.
It urged Americans to keep mobile phones charged, identify the nearest bomb shelter, maintain communication with family, avoid demonstrations, monitor major news outlets, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time updates.
“The security environment is complex and can change quickly,” the embassy cautioned.
