Israel/Palestinian Terr.: French Government updates travel advisory January 8 /update 2

Event

On Wednesday, January 8, the French Government issued another travel advisory, advising its citizens to exercise increased caution north of the Haifa-Nazareth line, to monitor the situation, and to follow directives issued by local authorities amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran. The advisory issued on Friday, January 3, regarding avoiding all travel near the borders with Syria and Lebanon, where additional security forces have been deployed and travel restrictions implemented within an area of 5 km (3 mi) from the country borders remains in effect.

On a related note, Israeli officials announced on January 3, that the Mount Hermon ski resort in Golan Heights will be closed until further notice.

Context

The US Department of Defense released a statement on January 3, claiming responsibility for an airstrike targeting Qasem Soleimani, the commander of the Iran's Quds Force, near Baghdad International Airport (BGW). According to the statement, Soleimani was "actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region." Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy commander of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), was also killed in the strike along with six other individuals.

Advice

Individuals in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate a heightened security presence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.