As Passover and the spring holidays approach, the Israeli National Security Council issued a comprehensive update today (Tuesday) on the global terror threats facing Israelis. The warning highlights escalating activity by Iran, its proxies, and global jihadist organizations, all of which are actively trying to harm Israelis abroad—whether through physical attacks, kidnappings, or deceptive contact via fake businesses and online schemes.
Dozens of Attacks Foiled—But the Threat Remains
According to the NSC, Iran continues to be a major force behind global terrorism, operating through groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. Over the past year, attempted attacks on Israeli diplomatic missions in Sweden and Belgium were foiled, and there has been a consistent pattern of attempts to lure Israelis—both at home and abroad—into traps for kidnapping or assault.
Hamas, under mounting pressure in Gaza, is also trying to expand its reach internationally. Terror infrastructure tied to the group has been uncovered in Denmark, Germany, Bulgaria, and Sweden, all of which were planning attacks against Israeli targets.
Meanwhile, a resurgence of activity has been observed among other terrorist organizations, including ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Al-Shabaab. These groups are ramping up operations in Europe and other regions, encouraging attacks by their supporters. ISIS has even explicitly called for attacks against Jews and Israelis worldwide.
Antisemitic Attacks and Attempts on Jewish and Israeli Sites
In New Orleans, a vehicle-ramming attack during New Year’s celebrations killed 14 people and injured 57. Two additional ramming attacks occurred in Germany, while Austria saw a stabbing targeting civilians. Planned attacks were also thwarted in Germany, Sweden, and Turkey.
In Australia, there were multiple attempts to target Jewish communities, including arson attacks on a kindergarten and a synagogue, and a foiled bombing plot against Jewish institutions. In Canada, Molotov cocktails were thrown and gunshots fired at synagogues and Jewish schools in Toronto and Montreal.
These incidents are part of a larger wave of antisemitic violence since the beginning of Israel’s Operation Iron Swords—some coordinated, others carried out by lone attackers. A particularly disturbing case occurred in Amsterdam on November 7, 2024, when a local mob attacked a taxi carrying Maccabi Tel Aviv fans on their way to a game—an incident widely condemned as an antisemitic riot.
“Do Not Travel to Sinai”
Outside of Europe, several other regions continue to pose serious threats. In Africa, the Horn of Africa, the Sahel, and parts of Central Africa remain hotspots. In Asia, Afghanistan, southern Philippines, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Kashmir region, and parts of Indonesia are all known for widespread jihadist activity.
The closest and most immediate danger zone for Israelis is the Sinai Peninsula, which remains especially hazardous. Despite a drop in tourist numbers, Israeli travelers are still frequenting Sinai’s beaches. The NSC reminds the public that Sinai is under a Level 4 travel warning—“high threat”—and strongly advises against any travel to the area.
Act Responsibly and Stay Informed
The NSC stresses that the motivation of Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and ISIS to harm Israelis and Jews remains high. With the war in Gaza ongoing and a challenging global atmosphere for Israelis, travelers are urged to take precautions. “We call on the public to act responsibly, check travel advisories before purchasing tickets, and follow recommendations for each destination based on its risk level,” the statement reads.
