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The State Department has updated its security warnings for US government employees in Israel, reflecting heightened concerns of potential Iranian retaliation.

The US Embassy in Israel has taken precautionary measures by limiting the personal travel of American employees and their families to the greater Tel Aviv area, Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva. This restriction remains effective “until further notice.”

The embassy justified these measures as being taken “out of an abundance of caution,” highlighting the seriousness with which it views the potential threats. Further, the embassy has indicated that it may impose additional restrictions without prior warning in response to emerging security incidents.

The advisory comes after the Biden administration’s warnings about a possible significant Iranian military response. This anticipated retaliation is linked to an April 1 incident where an attack conducted by Israel targeted an Iranian facility in Syria. The strike resulted in the deaths of seven Iranian military advisers, including three high-ranking officers from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran claims the building hit was a consulate building and has accused Israel of violating international law. Israel claims the building was a military building where Iranian forces were planning attacks on Israel.

John Kirby, the White House communications adviser for national security, has labeled the Iranian threat as “viable.”