The Prime Minister's Office on Wednesday issued a renewed warning to Israelis abroad regarding Hizbullah's intent to abduct or attack Israeli citizens around the world.
Slain Hizbullah commander Imad Mughniyeh.
Photo: AP
As part of its recommendations for Israelis, the PMO urged them to be wary of "unusual events;" to turn down any tempting offers relating to business or pleasure; to avoid letting suspicious people or unknown visitors into their hotel rooms or apartments; to avoid staying in remote locations, especially after dark; to be accompanied by reliable companions during business meetings and recreational activities; to avoid a regular pattern of activity during lengthy stays - switching hotels, driving routes, restaurants etc.
Earlier this month, security officials warned Israelis who live in West Africa about Hizbullah's attempts to carry out an attack in revenge for the killing of Imad Mughniyeh, which it attributes to the Mossad.
The Counterterrorism Bureau has not yet issued a formal travel alert for Israeli visitors to West African countries. Instead, security officials were sent to inform Israeli businessmen and community leaders about the information regarding a possible abduction or a terror attack being planned by Hizbullah against Israelis in one or more West African countries.
"West African countries have a large Arab community, and many of them are Shi'ite immigrants from Lebanon - who constitute the Hizbullah infrastructure in the region," a senior official at the Foreign Ministry told The Jerusalem Post.
Shortly after Mughniyeh's assassination in February, security officials warned that Israeli and Jewish institutions in Africa were likely targets for Hizbullah retaliation.
Officials said Monday that Hizbullah maintained a strong presence in northern and western Africa and could take advantage of lax security throughout these areas when perpetrating its retaliatory attack.
"Hizbullah looks for a country with a weak regime, weak intelligence and security services and relatively easy escape routes," a defense official explained.
Shelly Paz contributed to the report
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