Despite the official reaction, however, security was increased across the country yesterday, especially in Jerusalem.
Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Shaul Mofaz said there was no specific warning of an attack, but rather a constant alert for bombings by Islamic extremists.
“At this moment I wouldn’t say there is a concrete warning we can point to, but I think that the alertness we have called for should remain in effect,” Mofaz said during a military exercise on the Golan Heights. “It is no secret that for some time I have warned that attacks are planned by the Islamic Jihad, Hamas, and Bin Laden’s group in Israel.”
However, Transportation and Tourism Minister Amnon Lipkin Shahak said he had asked the U.S. authorities to revoke the Aug. 16 alert, which “harms the ability to exploit the tourism potential from the U.S.”
The advisory stated, “The U.S. government believes that there is, at this time, an increased possibility for terrorist attacks in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.”
National Security Adviser Danny Yatom said the alert went against advice given to U.S. Ambassador Martin Indyk.
“The American ambassador called me and I said that I didn’t think that this announcement needed to go out. It’s out of place,” Yatom told Israel Radio.
American citizens were advised to take particular care when traveling on public transport or visiting shopping areas, and not to remain in an area if a demonstration or altercation appears to be developing.
“Such gatherings can occur spontaneously, and have the potential to become violent without warning. American visitors should leave the area immediately if disturbances occur, or, if inside Jerusalem’s Old City where means of exit are limited, seek safe haven inside a shop or restaurant until the incident is over,” the advisory said.
The warning also annoyed Palestinian officials, who were concerned about its effect on tourism in their territory.
Palestinian Preventive Security Service chief Jibril Rajoub angrily dismissed the advisory as “State Department propaganda.”
He said, “Americans are secure in the Palestinian territories, and Americans are welcome to live and stay in the Palestinian territories with security and peace.”