The US Pentagon has decided to cease its Defense Department assistance for congressional trips to Israel and has imposed limitations on official visits to the country amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, as per an official memorandum.
A document obtained by CNN, authored by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, strongly discourages members of Congress and their staff from undertaking visits to Israel, stipulating that the Defense Department will not be providing support for Congressional delegation visits to Israel during this period.
Secretary Austin also pointed out that this policy will not impede the regular movement of military and civilian personnel to US Central Command, and it does not extend to the President, Vice President, or high-ranking military officials.
However, the memo, as reported by CNN, suggests that other senior military personnel may request approval for trips to Israel.
A Department official said a congressional visit to Israel would create an “undue burden to our service members”, warning that the situation is “incredibly dangerous right now”.
In a recent trip to Israel last month, a delegation led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had to urgently seek shelter from rocket attacks.
It's worth noting that on October 19, the US State Department issued a rare advisory, urging Americans abroad to "exercise increased caution" due to heightened tensions and an elevated risk of terrorism worldwide, primarily linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
"Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against US citizens and interests, the Department of State advises US citizens overseas to exercise increased caution," the advisory said
As of October 14, the Department had reclassified Israel and the West Bank as Level 3 (reconsider travel) destinations, while Gaza was designated as Level 4 (do not travel).
Furthermore, in the same timeframe, the US Embassy in Lebanon had also revised its travel advisory to Level 4.
(With Agency Inputs)
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