Warden Message
Date of Warden Message: January 08, 2009

Today’s updated Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the IDF’s continued land operation in the Gaza Strip, ongoing longer-range rocket attacks from Gaza, and the launching of short-range rockets from Lebanon into northern Israel.  

Militants today launched several Katyushas from Lebanon into northern Israel; these rockets landed in the Nahariya and Shlomi areas.  The Israeli Home Front Command reports that bomb shelters have been opened in communities along the northern border.  U.S. Government employees, for the time being, have been advised to avoid traveling north of Akko/Acre and along the entire border with Lebanon.  If Americans are present in this area, they should follow media reports and take appropriate security measures in accordance with Home Front Command guidance. 

Militants and terrorist organizations in Gaza continue to launch numerous rocket and mortar attacks against Israel.  U.S. Government employees continue to be restricted from travelling within a 30 KM radius of the Gaza Strip, inside of which the vast majority of rockets and mortars have fallen.  To travel inside the 30 KM radius, the Embassy’s Regional Security Officer’s approval is required.  No U.S. government official travel is permitted inside the Gaza Strip.  American citizens should be aware that militants and terrorist groups have launched several longer-range missiles that have landed well beyond the 30 KM radius.  American citizens can access the English version of the Home Front Command Web site www.oref.org.il for the latest guidance on appropriate security measures.

The U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv has advised official personnel to avoid protests and demonstrations, and to be vigilant in public places. Due to spontaneous demonstrations against IDF operations in Gaza, it is also recommended that American citizens continue to avoid traveling on Highway 65 in the Wadi Ara area between Highway 6 and Highway 66, which is near Um-El-Fahm and is en route to Afula.

American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RESOURCES
American citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor:
1) U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv’s Web page, http://usembassy-israel.org.il/consular/acs/TravelInformation.aspx, for the latest Warden Message

2) The U.S. Department of State's, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ Web site, www.travel.state.gov .

Both links provide access to the current Worldwide Caution; Travel Warnings; Travel Alerts; Country-Specific Information; and other resources, such as information about U.S. passports and visas.

3)  Israel’s Home Front Command Web site, which provides emergency guidance such as what to do in the event of an explosion or when a warning siren sounds:  www.oref.org.il  or the English version at http://www.oref.org.il/934-en/PAKAR.aspx

4)  Warden Messages found on the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem’s Web site at http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov. 

5)  For American citizens living and traveling abroad, we encourage you to review valuable security information contained in "A Safe Trip Abroad" at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html.  

Other Sources of Information:
Travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or outside the United States and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.   These telephone numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. Federal holidays).

In the event of an emergency, contact the Police at 100 or Fire at 102, as appropriate.

Should you need specific assistance from American Citizens Services:  During office hours (7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.), call our switchboard at 03-519-7575.  Outside office hours, call 03-519-7551; your call will be transferred to the Embassy duty officer.  For routine American Citizen Services inquiries, e-mail AMCTelAviv@state.gov .

To subscribe to Warden Messages and other informational e-mails from U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv, go to http://usembassy-israel.org.il/consular/acs/index.aspx and enter your e-mail address in the yellow box on the right-hand side of the screen.