The following travel advisory was released by the US Consulate General Jerusalem on Monday, September 19, 2016.

A recent uptick in stabbing attacks in and around the Old City of Jerusalem has led the US Consulate General to recommend that all US government employees and their family members avoid the Damascus, Herod’s and Lions Gates and the surrounding vicinity. This restriction may be lifted at the end of October based on the security environment at that time.

The US Consulate General reminds US citizens to avoid area where there is a heavy police presence, as this is often an indicator of an ongoing investigation, demonstration, or that an attack or an attempted attack may have just occurred. US citizens are reminded to exercise a heightened sense of situational awareness at all times and to minor local news sources.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)