27 Feb 2018 | 10:37 PM UTC
Israel/Palestinian Territories: Anti-US demonstrations in West Bank Feb. 28
US State Department issues advisory regarding potential anti-American protests throughout West Bank on February 28; exercise caution
Event
The US State Department issued an advisory on February 27 regarding anticipated anti-American protests throughout the West Bank on Wednesday, February 28. The US Consulate General in Jerusalem has prohibited its employees from traveling in the West Bank, with the exception of the use of Route 443. Further related demonstrations are likely in the coming days and weeks.
Context
Anti-American sentiment has peaked in recent months since US President Donald Trump announced the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel on December 6, 2017. Mass protests have taken place in the Palestinian Territories on a regular basis since the decision. On February 23, American officials announced that the Embassy will open in a temporary location in Jerusalem by mid-May of this year, ahead of the anticipated schedule.
Advice
Individuals in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip 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 to be anticipated 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.
More generally, due to the underlying terrorist threat, travelers in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and to remain vigilant 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, etc.). As a reminder, several Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and areas near the Israeli-Lebanese, Israeli-Syrian, and Israeli-Egyptian borders.
