Israel has announced the temporary closure of its embassies and consulates across the globe following large-scale military strikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities.
Statements published on Israeli diplomatic websites on Friday confirmed that “diplomatic missions will be closed and will not offer any consular services,” without specifying how long the shutdown will last.
The Israeli government also urged its citizens abroad to “remain vigilant and avoid displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols in public places,” advising them to cooperate with local security forces if they face any threats.
Affected countries include France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, Ukraine, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Nigeria, and Ghana.
Diplomatic sources confirmed that the Israeli embassy in Berlin declined to provide further details when contacted. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Germany has bolstered security around Jewish and Israeli sites following consultations between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In the Swedish capital, Stockholm, security has been increased around the Great Synagogue, with police deploying trucks and patrol vehicles near the building.
The move comes just days after Sweden launched an investigation into a failed terrorist attack near the Israeli embassy, where a suspicious device was discovered and later neutralized.
Israel has defended its recent strikes, stating they aim to “disrupt Iran’s nuclear program and prevent Tehran from acquiring weapons of mass destruction.” U.S. President Donald Trump warned that “future attacks will be more severe if Iran does not return to the negotiating table.”
Tensions between the two nations have escalated in recent weeks, especially after Israel targeted the Iranian consulate in Damascus in early April, prompting Tehran to vow retaliation. Security analysts fear the precautionary embassy closures may trigger a new wave of violence against Israeli and Jewish interests worldwide.
