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U.S. Issues Security Alert for Jerusalem on Anniversary of Moving Embassy

Israeli flag March Takes Place During Jerusalem Day
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May 14, 2019

The U.S. Embassy in Israel has issued a countrywide security alert warning of possible terror attacks and violence as Palestinians protest the one-year anniversary of President Donald Trump moving the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

"May 14, 2019, is the anniversary of the U.S. Embassy opening in Jerusalem, as well as related protests along the Gaza periphery," the U.S. Embassy wrote in its new alert. "Terrorist groups may choose the anniversary, which coincides with the Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv (May 14-18), or Nakba Day (May 15), to conduct violent protests or an attack."

"Security incidents can occur well beyond Gaza and its periphery and at any time, as demonstrated by the May 3-5 rocket attacks in southern Israel, including Ashdod, Ashkelon, and Be'er Sheva, and the March 14 and March 25 rocket attacks in Central Israel," it said.

Palestinian terror factions, including those tied to Iran, have fired scores of rockets at Israeli civilians in the past weeks and it is likely these attacks will continue in the coming weeks.

"As security incidents, including rocket fire, often take place without warning, U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness," the warning stated. "In the event of mortar and/or rocket fire, a Red Alert siren may be activated."

Americans are instructed to "know the location of your closest shelter or protected space" in the event Palestinian rockets are fired at various locations.

Published under: Israel