Turkey has warned the Islamic Republic of Iran against attacking Israelis in the country, making it clear that it is not willing to allow Iran to use its territory to carry out terrorist acts against other countries. The National Security Council announced instructions to Israelis in Turkey
Ankara sent “blunt and forceful messages” to Tehran regarding an Israeli warning to the country’s citizens not to travel to Turkey. This was reported by the television channel Iran International. Foreign Minister Lapid on Monday called on Israelis in Turkey to leave immediately, and citizens to cancel travel plans to the country following reports that an Iranian plot to assassinate Israelis in Istanbul was thwarted at the last minute, and that Turkish authorities uncovered a network of Iranian agents aimed at harming Israelis.
Despite the threat posed by Iranians to Turkey, some Israelis are ignoring the warnings while Turkey has expressed its dissatisfaction with the expected blow to its tourism. Tehran accused Israel of killing several agents and officers of the Revolutionary Guards in Iran, and threatened to retaliate against Israelis. The National Security Council issued a warning that Tehran may be seeking to harm Israelis in Turkey and classified it as a “high-risk country.”
Yesterday, the National Security Headquarters (National Security Council) issued recommendations for precautionary rules for Israelis staying in Istanbul. The National Security Staff continued to call on Israelis to leave Istanbul, in light of terrorist elements’ intention to harm Israelis. (Despite the recommendations to leave the city):
The travel warning and publications on behalf of the officials must be updated at all times. Throughout the stay, keep in touch with relatives in the country who will be able to assist in locating you if necessary, with an emphasis on hotel details, planned trips and flights. In the event of an incident while you are abroad, there may be difficulties in contacting – please update them on your situation.
The National Security Council also recommended modest Israeli markings, including clothing details and accessories (such as bags). Keep a low profile and avoid staying in places identified as “Israeli concentrations”, such as restaurants, hotels and entertainment at tourist sites that attract Israeli audiences. Special suspicion and to avoid attractive offers and business or tourism opportunities (such as tour guides and organized trips) that may be used to harm Israeli tourists, with an emphasis on offers posted on social networks (Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.).