Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Increased security during Passover holiday in Israel April 19-April 27

Event

Increased security measures are expected ahead and during the Jewish Passover holiday in Israel observed from Friday, April 19, to Saturday, April 27. Police in Israel will reportedly deploy thousands of officers across the country, focusing on Jerusalem, the Western Wall and holy sites as numerous people are expected to ascend to Jerusalem for the first day of the holiday and throughout the period. The Holy Fire Ceremony, which will take place the last day of the holiday, on Saturday, April 27 will also reportedly see a higher security presence.

Spot-checks in Jerusalem and border crossing closures with the Palestinian Territories are likely. Protests and clashes with security forces are possible.

Context

Passover is a Jewish holiday commemorating the biblical liberation of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt, as described in the Book of Exodus.

Advice

Individuals present in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are advised to avoid all protests or other public gatherings due to the risk of violence and to monitor developments to the situation. 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, prominent hotels and restaurants, 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.