Israel travel warning: Smartraveller increases advice level to ‘do not travel’, urges Australians to leave

Smartraveller has upgraded its travel advice warning level for Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories to the highest level, telling Australians “Do not travel”.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued the updated advice late on Monday, upgrading advice for the region from “reconsider your need to travel” to their highest warning level.

“We now advise do not travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories due to the volatile security situation, armed conflict, civil unrest and terrorism,” the update said.

Minister for Foreign Affairs announced the upgraded travel advice on X saying: “The Australian Government has serious concerns the security situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories could deteriorate rapidly.”

The updated advice comes after Hezbollah drones struck an Israeli military site on Monday, evading the country’s Iron Dome air defence system to kill four people and injure 67.

“If you’re in Israel, you should leave while commercial flights remain available, border crossings are open and while it’s safe to do so,” Smartraveller said.

“There’s an ongoing threat of missile and rocket attacks in Israel.”

On Monday, the United States confirmed it was sending more equipment to Israel to aid its air defence system as the risk of attacks increases.

Smartraveller said Australians “should not travel to Israeli border areas with Lebanon”.

“Terrorist attacks can occur anywhere at any time,” the update said.

“There continues to be a high threat of military and terrorist attacks against Israel and Israeli interests across the region.”

On Monday local time, the Israeli Defence Force carried out operations in a new area of Lebanon, striking Aitou in the country’s north.

The attack has sparked concern from locals that operations are spreading across Lebanon without notice.

“The security situation could deteriorate quickly, with little or no notice,” Smartraveler said.

“This situation has and may continue to result in airspace closures, flight cancellations, diversions, and other travel disruptions.

“Some airlines have reduced and suspended flights to and from Ben Gurion International Airport.”

Australians in Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories have been told to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s crisis registration portal.