Turkiye: Israel calls on citizens to leave Turkiye immediately, as of Oct. 18

Event

Israel's National Security Council has called on Israeli citizens in Turkiye to leave the country as soon as possible, as of Oct. 18. Israel has increased its travel warning for Turkiye to the fourth and highest level, and further warned that the terrorist threat against Israelis abroad continues to increase.

The warning comes after protesters stormed the Israeli Consulate General in Istanbul late on Oct. 17 amid a mass demonstration denouncing the alleged Oct. 17 Israeli airstrike on the Al-Ahli al-Arabi Hospital in the Gaza Strip. Authorities in Istanbul state one Turkish national died, and 63 others were injured during the protest, while five others were arrested. The Governor of Istanbul has called for protesters to exercise restraint in order to avoid further damaging relations with Israel.

As of Oct. 18, police have sealed the area around the Israeli Consulate General in Yapi Kredi Plaza; only those working in the building are permitted to enter the area. Further gatherings denouncing the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip and in solidarity with Palestinians are likely in cities throughout Turkiye, particularly near Israeli diplomatic buildings.

Advice

Liaise with trusted contacts for further information and monitor local developments closely. Register and maintain contact with your diplomatic mission. Reconfirm appointments scheduled at the Israeli Consulate General. Heed all official transport and security advisories. Exercise caution near protests and protest sites. Plan for localized road travel delays should protests occur. Immediately depart the area at the first sign that any security disruption may occur.