The U.S. State Department warns against travel to Israel

Haaretz:

The U.S. State Department on Thursday advised American citizens to defer any unnecessary travel to Israel and the territories citing growing efforts to thwart recent diplomatic achievements and the disengagement plan.

Although "terrorist attacks within Israel have declined in both frequency and associated casualties," the travel warning states, "the potential for further violence remains high." Israeli security services report that they are investigating between 40 and 60 planned terrorist attacks at any given time, the travel warning says.

Besides the threat originating from Palestinian militant groups, the upcoming Israeli pullout from the entire Gaza Strip and four settlements in northern Samaria are also cited as a potential source of danger. The disengagement "could lead to violence in Israel by settler groups."

"Settlers are reportedly planning acts of civil disobedience and other protests that at best will be severely disruptive and at worst may result in physical confrontations leading to violence," the State Department warning states.

In the news:

Israel Travel Warning

Around the Blogosphere:

U.S. advises Americans to defer travel to Israel, avoid Gaza. Fear Jewish citizens not PLO terrorist?