Israel has temporarily closed its embassies around the world and suspended consular services, following a large-scale military operation against Iran.
The decision, announced via official statements posted on multiple embassy websites on Friday, came just hours after Israel confirmed strikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites, missile factories, and key military personnel.
The statements urged Israeli citizens abroad to remain alert, avoid public displays of Jewish or Israeli symbols, and to immediately report any hostile activity to local security agencies. While no timeline was provided for when embassies would resume operations, the precautionary move reflects growing fears of retaliation against Israeli nationals and interests abroad.
“In light of recent developments, Israeli missions around the world will be closed and consular services will not be provided,” the statements read.
In Berlin, an official at the Israeli embassy confirmed the closure but declined to offer additional details. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier in the day, said Germany would increase security around Jewish and Israeli sites. Police presence was notably increased at the Great Synagogue in Stockholm, where a police van and patrol car were stationed nearby.
Earlier, Israel claimed its strikes were part of a broader operation to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The offensive is said to have killed several high-ranking Iranian military officials. In response, US President Donald Trump blamed Iran’s resistance in nuclear negotiations for provoking the attack and warned that future strikes would be “even more brutal” unless Tehran returned to the negotiating table.
The situation remains fluid, with global leaders urging restraint as concerns grow over the potential for wider regional conflict.
Melissa Enoch
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