The National Security Council’s (NSC) Office of Counterterrorism wrote on Monday (June 13) that it had given the alert “in view of the ongoing risk and given the escalation of Iranian intentions to harm Israelis in Turkey, with one in Istanbul. “
The NSC recently called on Israelis in Istanbul to leave the city as soon as possible, and Israelis are making plans to travel to Turkey to avoid doing so until further notice.
Two weeks ago, Israel’s warning about Turkey was reissued to the public following security considerations about Iranian attempts to strike Israeli targets around the world, but especially in Turkey.
‘It is worth recalling that other regions of Turkey are subject to a warning from point 3 (intermediate); therefore, the NSC recommends that Israelis also avoid non-essentials in other parts of the country,” the security firm warned.
However, the NSC added that there is no explanation for flights with connections in Istanbul, as long as you don’t leave the airport.
For more than a year and a half, Iran and its affiliates have stepped up their activities abroad, adding repeated threats of harming Israelis and Jews around the world, in Turkey, Cyprus and Colombia.
Foreign Minister Yair Lapid issued a separate statement on the enhanced travel warning.
“We call on the Israelis not to fly to Istanbul and, unless necessary, not to fly to Turkey at all. If you are already in Istanbul, return to Israel as soon as possible,” Lapid said.
“In recent weeks, the Israeli security services, the Foreign Ministry and the Prime Minister’s Office have made abundant efforts to save Israeli lives, some of whom have returned to Israel and walk among us knowing that their lives have been saved,” he said. . said.
“These terrorist attacks targeted Israelis who had gone on vacation. They deliberately chose Israeli citizens to kidnap or kill them. This can affect anyone. This is a real and rapid danger.
“If you have a flight to Istanbul planned, cancel it. No vacation is your life and that of those you enjoy.
Lapid also thanked the Turkish government for “its effort for the lives of Israeli citizens. “
Tourism in Turkey is vital for both countries, he noted, “but they also perceive that there are dangers that should not be taken. “
Lapid also issued a warning to Tehran: “Whoever harms the Israelis will pay. We will do them no matter where they are. “
The foreign minister said he hoped the caution would not last long. “This is the tourist season and we will do our best to bring a calm that allows Israelis to return to Turkey and enjoy all it has to offer as soon as possible. ” possible,” he said.
“Until then, this caution remains and I call on everyone who has planned to fly to Turkey to locate the destination. “
There was no mention of the ease with which Iranians enter and leave Turkey, nor the country’s warm hospitality toward Iranian terrorist teams such as Hamas.
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