The U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem advises U.S. citizens to exercise heightened security awareness in East and West Jerusalem, the Old City and the West Bank due to an increase in political violence and unrest that has resulted in multiple deaths and injuries since early October.  The potential for additional violence throughout this area remains high.

While we make every attempt to provide timely and accurate information, we cannot predict where or when violence or clashes may occur in this uncertain security environment.  We remind you to be aware of your surroundings at all times, monitor the media, avoid demonstrations and other crowds as events can turn violent without warning, and follow directions of police and other emergency responders.

Due to the current security conditions, the U.S. Consulate has placed temporary restrictions on the movement of its employees in the West Bank and Jerusalem.  We recommend that private U.S. citizens take into consideration these restrictions and the additional guidance contained in the Department’s travel warning for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza when making decisions regarding their travel.  The following new restrictions are in place for U.S. government employees:

-Travel on route 443 from Jerusalem through the West Bank is restricted to mission-critical travel from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am each evening.

-Entry to the Old City may take place only between the hours of 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, unless an exception is approved for mission-critical visits and accompanied by security personnel.  U.S. government employees are advised that several violent incidents have occurred near the Damascus and Lion’s Gates. U.S. citizens should exercise caution in those areas at all hours.

-Official travel to the West Bank is restricted for other than mission-critical business.

-Personal travel to Bethlehem is prohibited and travel to Jericho requires advance approval by the U.S. Consulate.

The U.S. Consulate will review these travel restrictions and make adjustments, as necessary, as conditions change in Jerusalem and the West Bank.

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