08 Dec 2017 | 08:52 PM UTC
Tunisia: Anti-US demonstration in Tunis December 7-8
Large crowds gather in Tunis to protest the US decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital on December 7-8, more protests likely in coming days; US Embassy closes as a precaution
Event
Media sources reported that thousands of protesters gathered in Tunis and other cities across the country on Thursday, December 7, and Friday, December 8, to demonstrate against the US government’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. On Friday, the US Embassy in Tunis closed early as a precaution and warned citizens to review their personal security plans due to the increased anti-American sentiment. Additional protests and associated traffic disruptions are likely in the coming days.
Context
On Wednesday, December 6, President Donald Trump announced that the US officially recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a departure from the previous US and international position of neutrality on the status of the city claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians; no country has an embassy in Jerusalem. Many world leaders had strongly advised the US administration against the move, claiming it would render impossible the establishment of a Palestinian state and would inflame tensions across the Muslim world.
The US Congress passed a law in 1995 stipulating that the US Embassy in Israel be moved to Jerusalem by May 1999; US Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama all issued waivers every six months to delay the move throughout their respective tenures.
Advice
Individuals in Tunisia are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to avoid all public demonstrations due to the risk of violence. A surge in anti-American and anti-Western sentiment is likely in some areas; all travelers, and Westerners in particular, are advised to maintain a low profile (do not discuss sensitive topics, do not stop to take photographs of demonstrations, etc.) and avoid unnecessary movements in the event of unrest.
As a reminder, due to the terrorist threat, individuals in Tunisia are advised to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities, particularly when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.). Certain Western governments advise against travel to the south of the country, e.g. regions on the borders with Algeria and Libya, and the Kasserine region, due to the presence of armed groups.
