US issues new travel warning to Israel, cites airport closure

Despite Gaza cease-fire, State Department warns against "the potential for violence and renewed hostilities," and characterizes the security environment as "complex."

By MICHAEL WILNER
Delta airline plane (photo credit: REUTERS)
Delta airline plane
(photo credit: REUTERS)
WASHINGTON -- The US State Department issued a new warning against travel to Israel and the Palestinian territories on Wednesday.
The updated alert replaces one issued by the US on July 21, when open conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza reached a peak.
The warning includes US acknowledgment of flight disruptions into Ben Gurion Airport, initiated by the US Federal Aviation Commission during the conflict after a Hamas rocket fell too close to the airport by commission standards. The FAA paused US airlines flights into Israel for several days, and European airlines followed suit.
"Ben Gurion Airport is open and commercial flights are operating normally, although delays and cancellations can occur," the alert reads. "Travelers should check with their airline prior to their planned travel to verify the flight schedule."
The warning also warns against "the potential for violence and renewed hostilities," and characterizes the security environment as "complex."