JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israelis traveling abroad are at great risk of being kidnapped, Israel’s Counter-Terrorism Bureau said in a travel warning.
"Hezbollah has repeatedly accused Israel of being responsible for the death of Imad Mughniyeh; Iran has accused Israel of being responsible for the death of a nuclear expert in Tehran. Therefore, the National Security Council Counter-Terrorism Bureau underscores its warning regarding the possible abduction of, and/or attacks on, Israelis abroad, especially regarding businesspeople in Arab and/or Islamic countries," the warning released Sunday said.
The bureau issues warnings annually before the Passover holiday season, which is a major travel time for Israelis.
Travel warnings are in effect for Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, Lebanon, Syria, Somalia and Yemen, as well as Algiers, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, Mauritania, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Ivory Coast, Togo and Mali. Warnings also are in effect for Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Qatar, Morocco, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Chad, Libya, Oman, Bangladesh, Kenya, Nigeria and Tajikistan.
A travel advisory was lifted for India in December and was not added back to the list Sunday despite Saturday’s attack in Puna, which officials say may have been directed at the Chabad House down the street.
The bureau warns Israelis traveling abroad to refuse unexpected gifts and free offers from unknown sources; to reject invitations to unexpected meetings, especially in remote locations; and to avoid routine behavior and change hotels during extended stays in one location.
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