Iran remains the primary cause of global terrorism, both directly and through its proxies, the National Security Council said on Tuesday in its public assessment of threats against Israelis abroad, ahead of spring vacations.
The NSC said the assessment is intended to raise awareness among Israeli travelers regarding the threats they may face in destinations worldwide. The assessment focuses on key trends in global terrorist activity that may constitute a risk to citizens abroad.
“Iran continues to use terrorist operations as a central policy tool and as retaliation for strikes against senior Iranian, Hezbollah, and Hamas officials in the context of war in Gaza,” it said.
The assessment notes that myriad Iranian-in-origin terror plots have been thwarted around the world, including attempted attacks on Israel’s embassies in Sweden and Belgium, as well as various cyber or online attacks.
The NSC also highlights Iran’s terror recruitment efforts, involving reaching out to Israelis under false pretenses (business ventures or impersonations) both in Israel and abroad to “lure them into situations where they could be harmed or kidnapped.”
The assessment notes that myriad Iranian-in-origin terror plots have been thwarted around the world, including attempted attacks on Israel's embassies in Sweden and Belgium, as well as various cyber or online attacks.
The NSC also highlights Iran's terror recruitment efforts, involving reaching out to Israeli citizens under false pretenses (business ventures or impersonations) both in Israel and abroad to "lure them into situations where they could be harmed or kidnapped."
Hamas listed as a threat abroad
Hamas is also listed as one of the threats to Israelis and Jews abroad. The NSC stated that it expects an increase in attempted terror attacks by Hamas, given its weakened position in Gaza.
It mentioned various foiled Hamas plots abroad since the beginning of the war on October 7, including in countries such as Denmark, Germany, Bulgaria, and Sweden.
“The organization is expected to persist in its efforts to attack Israeli and Jewish targets abroad,” the NSC noted.
Islamist groups
Other Islamist and jihadist groups have also increased their activities abroad, including ISIS, al-Qaeda, and al-Shabaab, particularly in Europe, the NSC continued. The assessment also predicted an increase in terror activity from these groups, given the resumption of fighting in Gaza.
“These threats may come from organized groups or lone-wolf attackers,” it added, while noting the recent surge in attacks by ISIS operatives in Europe and North America and the group’s calls for supporters to attack Jewish and Israeli targets worldwide.
The NSC listed several ISIS-inspired or led attacks, including the terrorist who rammed into New Year’s Eve revelers in New Orleans; multiple vehicular attacks in Germany; a stabbing incident in Austria; synagogue arson and planned bombing attacks on Jewish sites in Australia; and several firebombing and shooting incidents targeting synagogues and Jewish schools in Canada.
According to the NSC, global jihadist activity remains highly concentrated in Africa (especially the Horn of Africa, the Sahel, and parts of Central Africa), the Middle East, and Asia (notably Afghanistan, the southern Philippines, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kashmir in India, and parts of Indonesia).
Egypt and the Sinai Peninsula
The NSC added that the Sinai Peninsula remains a “high-risk area for terrorist activity.”
It acknowledged the area has received fewer Israeli tourists than previous years, but that, nevertheless, it is still a visitor attraction and one that is classified as a Level 4 travel warning (Severe Threat). All travel to Sinai should be avoided, the NSC stated.
Rise in antisemitism
Separately from the terrorist threat abroad, the NSC noted the surge in antisemitic hate crimes and attacks on Jews and Israelis worldwide.
These attacks have arisen through both coordinated efforts and lone-wolf assaults, with notable incidents including the attack on Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters in Amsterdam in November.
The bottom line?
The high motivation and activity of terrorist groups (Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and global jihadists) to carry out attacks against Israelis and Jews abroad remain unchanged, the NSC stated.
“Additionally, the heightened atmosphere of hostility toward Israelis and Jews due to the war continues to drive threats from lone-wolf attackers and independent terror cells.”
As a result, the NSC urges Israelis to exercise caution when traveling abroad and to check the latest travel warnings before booking flights. It asked travelers to adhere to the NSC’s recommendations based on the risk level of their destination.