'Stay Vigilant, Avoid Unnecessary Travel': Govt Advises Indians In Israel As Regional Tensions Spike

The Indian embassy in Tel Aviv on Friday issued an advisory urging all Indian nationals in Israel to stay vigilant and adhere to local safety protocols due to the escalating situation in the region in the wake of the war in Gaza. The advisory follows the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday.

Haniyeh was in Tehran for the inauguration of Iran’s new President, Masoud Pezeshkian. Although Israel has not claimed responsibility and the U.S. has denied involvement, Iran has accused both countries of the assassination and threatened retaliation for what it sees as a violation of its sovereignty.

‘Exercise caution’

Since October 8 last year, violence has flared across the border between Israeli troops and Hezbollah. The conflict intensified last Saturday after a rocket strike by the Lebanese militant group at a soccer field in Israel killed at least 12 children and teens. The killing of senior members of militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah this week worsened the regional tensions.

“In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to stay vigilant and adhere to the safety protocols as advised by the local authorities,” the Indian embassy in an advisory posted on social media platform ‘X’. “Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel within the country and stay close to safety shelters. The Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and remains in regular touch with the Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of all our nationals,” the advisory read.

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As concerns grow over a possible conflict in the region, several airlines are avoiding Iranian and Lebanese airspace and cancelling flights to Israel and Lebanon. Singapore Airlines stopped flying through Iranian airspace from early Friday morning and is using alternative routes, saying safety is its top priority. Air India also announced the suspension of all flights to and from Tel Aviv, until August 8.

“In view of the ongoing situation in parts of the Middle East, we have suspended scheduled operation of our flights to and from Tel Aviv with immediate effect up to and including 08 August 2024,” Air India said in a post on X. “We are continuously monitoring the situation and are extending support to our passengers with confirmed bookings for travel to and from Tel Aviv during this period, with a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges,” it added.

Days before the advisory for Israel, the Indian mission in Lebanon on Monday had advised all nationals to exercise caution and remain in contact with the mission. “In view of the recent developments in the region, all Indian nationals in Lebanon and those planning to travel to Lebanon are advised to exercise caution and remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Beirut,” the embassy said.