The National Security Council ranks traveling to Turkey at a combined level 3 to 4, which is almost the highest level of warning. Istanbul is ranked 4, with the rest of Turkey ranked 3.
“In light of the escalation in Iranian intentions to harm Israelis in Turkey, with an emphasis on Istanbul, the National Security Council is calling on Israelis staying in Istanbul to leave the city as soon as possible. There is a moderate threat warning for the rest of Turkey, and it is recommended that Israelis also avoid travel that is not essential to the rest of Turkey.”
Authorities say that warning against nationals traveling to Turkey is expected to remain in effect until an Iranian terror cell is caught. Reportedly, Israeli and Turkish security agencies are both working to thwart any potential attack. Israeli media reported yesterday that Ankara has conveyed a “blunt and forceful message” to Tehran that it will not allow Iran to use its territory to carry out terror acts against other countries.
On Monday, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid urged Israelis to leave Turkey and for those planning a vacation there to cancel it. Later on, reports came out about Israeli security agents whisking Israelis out of Istanbul and bringing them back to Israel. The tourists were told they were at an immediate threat by Iranian agents and should not go back to the hotel where they were staying in fear for their lives.
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