NAIROBI, Kenya – Israel has shut down its diplomatic missions across the globe and suspended all consular services following a wave of large-scale strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities and military assets.
In statements published Friday on various embassy websites, Israeli authorities advised citizens abroad to avoid public displays of Jewish or Israeli identity, citing heightened security concerns.
The foreign ministry also encouraged nationals to update their location details via an online form — a move reminiscent of the protocol used after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.
“In light of recent developments, Israeli missions around the world will be closed and consular services will not be provided,” the statement read. No timeline was given for the closure.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to media inquiries, and embassy staff in Berlin declined to provide further comment.
Outside the Israeli embassy in the German capital, the area remained quiet on Friday afternoon, with a visible police presence securing the premises.
In Stockholm, Swedish authorities stepped up protection outside the Great Synagogue, deploying police vehicles and officers in anticipation of possible unrest.
The heightened security comes just hours after Israeli forces launched what officials described as a coordinated assault on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and weapons production sites.
The strikes reportedly killed several senior Iranian military commanders and were aimed at halting Tehran’s alleged efforts to develop atomic weapons.
The Israeli government has not confirmed the full scope or future plans of the military campaign, though officials hinted at the possibility of prolonged operations.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, announced an increase in protective measures around Jewish and Israeli institutions in Germany.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in, claiming Iran had “brought the attack on itself” by rejecting American conditions in nuclear negotiations.
He warned that any further resistance could invite “even more brutal” retaliatory strikes.
As geopolitical tensions deepen, Israeli citizens abroad are being urged to remain alert and coordinate closely with local law enforcement in case of any threats or hostile activity.
