Israel Closes Embassies Around the World and Asks People to Be Alert After Attacks on Iran

Israel has closed its embassies throughout the world and advised people to be vigilant and refrain from publicly exhibiting Israeli or Jewish symbols.

Following a massive military campaign against Iran, Israel has temporarily closed its embassies and suspended consular services worldwide.

Just hours after Israel acknowledged strikes targeting Iranian nuclear plants, missile manufacturers, and important military officials, the decision was made public on Friday through formal statements posted on many embassy websites.

Israelis living overseas were advised in the messages to stay vigilant, refrain from displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols in public, and notify local security services right away of any hostile activities. The precautionary measure reflects increased concerns of reprisal against Israeli nationals and interests overseas, even though no date for when embassies will resume operations was given.

The messages said, “Israeli missions around the world will be closed and consular services will not be provided in light of recent developments.”

An Israeli embassy spokesperson in Berlin confirmed the closure but would not provide any information. Earlier in the day, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Germany would bolster security around Israeli and Jewish landmarks in a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. There was a noticeable increase in police presence at Stockholm’s Great Synagogue, where a patrol car and police van were parked close by.

Israel has before asserted that the attacks were a component of a larger campaign to stop Iran from producing nuclear weapons. Several senior Iranian military officials are reportedly dead as a result of the attack. US President Donald Trump responded by accusing Iran of inciting the attack through its resistance in nuclear talks and threatening “even more brutal” strikes in the future unless Tehran goes back to the bargaining table.