By Emmanuel Kwada
Israel has announced the closure of its embassies worldwide and issued a stark warning to its citizens to remain vigilant and refrain from displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols in public, following large-scale military strikes on Iran. The decision, announced via statements on embassy websites, comes in response to heightened security concerns, with no timeline provided for when diplomatic missions might reopen.
According to official statements, Israel has suspended all consular services, urging citizens abroad to cooperate with local security forces if they encounter hostile activity. Israelis have also been encouraged to update the Foreign Ministry on their whereabouts through an online form, a measure previously implemented after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks to coordinate reservist returns and organize rescue flights.
The closures follow Israel’s reported attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities and missile factories, which also resulted in the deaths of several military commanders. The operation, described as an effort to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons, has escalated regional tensions, prompting fears of retaliatory actions against Israeli and Jewish targets globally.
In Berlin, the area around the Israeli embassy remained quiet, with only a modest police presence noted. Similarly, in Stockholm, security was visibly increased outside the Great Synagogue, where police vehicles were stationed to ensure safety
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, after discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, announced enhanced security measures for Jewish and Israeli sites across Germany. In Berlin, the area around the Israeli embassy remained quiet, with only a modest police presence noted. Similarly, in Stockholm, security was visibly increased outside the Great Synagogue, where police vehicles were stationed to ensure safety.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry has not provided further details, and a representative at the embassy in Berlin declined to comment when contacted. The closures mark a significant escalation in Israel’s security posture, reflecting growing concerns about antisemitic and anti-Israeli sentiment fueled by ongoing conflicts.
As the situation develops, Israeli citizens abroad are urged to stay informed through local media, follow Home Front Command guidelines, and exercise heightened caution in light of the complex and rapidly changing security environment.
