In light of the recent border collapse between Gaza and the Sinai, the US Embassy would like all Americans to be aware of the Government of Israel’s public security advisory concerning travel near the Israeli-Egyptian border issued on January 26, 2008.  To stay better informed for your own personal safety, please take the time to read this message. The following is the complete text of this announcement:

Travel routes and tourist attractions near the Israeli-Egyptian border have been temporarily closed due to a raised level of alert. The massive passage of Palestinians in the past few days from the Gaza Strip to Sinai included, according to security assessments, Palestinians involved in terrorism. As a result, the IDF raised the level of alert along the Israeli-Egyptian border. Route 10 has been temporarily closed as a measure to protect the security of Israeli citizens.

Tourists are kindly requested not to visit the following regions: Agur Sand Dunes, Be’er Milha tourist area, Be’erutaim region, Azuz region, Mount Harif region, Lot Wells, Scorpion Creek, Eilot Creek, Mount Ramon, Arud Pass, Mount Sagi, Mount Karkum, Tznifim Gate, Eilat Mountains, Ein Netafim, Tphahut Creek, Shlomo Creek, Yoshafat Creek, Geshron Creek, Shani Creek and the Red Canyon. End of text.

In addition to the aforementioned advisory, the Israeli National Security Council strongly warns all Israeli citizens to avoid any travel to the Sinai Peninsula due to the increased threat of terrorist activity.