Travellers have been warned to immediately leave Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories on the first flights available.
The SmartTraveller advice comes just over a year into Israel’s assault on Gaza in a bid to wipe out militant group Hamas following the brutal attacks on October 7, 2023, as wider Middle East tensions escalate, and the risk of airport and border closures increases.
“If you’re in Israel, you should leave while commercial flights remain available, border crossings are open and while it’s safe to do so,” SmartTraveller advised on Monday.
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“There’s an ongoing threat of missile and rocket attacks in Israel. You should not travel to Israeli border areas with Lebanon.”
The highest level of travel warning was also put in place for Lebanon due to Israeli military airstrikes and ground operations in that country as it responds to attacks launched from Lebanese territory by Iran-backed militants Hezbollah.
“There continues to be a high threat of military reprisals and terrorist attacks against Israel,” SmartTraveller said.
The Australian Government’s official travel advice service also warned that Israel’s main airport could shut down at any time.
It said the volatile security situation “could deteriorate quickly, with little or no notice”.
“This situation has and may continue to result in airspace closures, flight cancellations, diversions, and other travel disruptions. Some airlines have reduced and suspended flights to and from Ben Gurion International Airport.
“Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport may pause operations due to heightened security concerns at any time. Australians who want to leave are encouraged to take the first available option.”
It also advised against crossing land borders, due to conflict in border areas, closed crossings and interrupted GPS signals.
“GPS signals may be blocked in parts of Israel, disrupting navigational apps,” SmartTraveller said.
“The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt may be closed or have highly restricted access for long periods and is subject to change at short notice. It has been subject to air strikes during the current Gaza conflict.
“Land border crossings to Jordan are open but may close at short notice.”
Australian citizens and permanent residents still in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories have also been urged to sign up to the DFAT’s crisis registration portal to be directly contacted with important updates.