Following large-scale attacks on Iran, Israel is closing its embassies worldwide, advising citizens abroad to exercise heightened vigilance and refrain from displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols in public. These announcements were published on embassy websites on Friday.
The statements also indicated that consular services would be suspended, and Israeli citizens were urged to cooperate with local security forces in the event of hostile activity.
The duration of the embassy closures was not specified. When contacted, the Israeli embassy in Berlin offered no further information. The Israeli foreign ministry has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Israelis overseas are being encouraged to complete a form to update the foreign ministry with their current location, similar to the process implemented after the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, to facilitate the coordination of reservist returns and potential rescue flights.
“In light of recent developments, Israeli missions around the world will be closed and consular services will not be provided,” the issued statement read.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, affirmed Germany’s commitment to bolstering the protection of Jewish and Israeli sites.
The area surrounding the Israeli embassy in Berlin appeared relatively calm and unoccupied, with only police personnel and vehicles present.
Increased security measures were evident outside the Great Synagogue of Stockholm, with a police van and car stationed nearby, according to a Reuters report.
Earlier reports indicated that Israel had targeted nuclear facilities and missile factories in Iran and had eliminated a significant number of military commanders in what is perceived as a potentially protracted operation aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
US President Donald Trump implied that Iran had provoked the attacks by rejecting US demands during negotiations aimed at limiting its nuclear program, and encouraged it to reach an agreement, warning that “the next already planned attacks being even more brutal”.
