Israel has stepped up security at its embassies and diplomatic missions around the world following concrete threats against Israeli symbols and representatives abroad, the Shin Bet and Foreign Ministry said in a joint statement on Friday.
Authorities have increased the operational readiness of Israeli security teams overseas in recent days, working in close coordination with local security forces around Israeli targets abroad, according to the statement.
The updated measures include additional training for extreme scenarios, improved rapid-response procedures, emergency evacuation planning, and expanded cooperation with local security agencies at Israeli missions worldwide. The statement added that the effort has focused in particular on the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.
Israeli authorities also said they had reinforced both overt and covert security around embassies, diplomats and delegations. As part of the effort, advanced technological systems were deployed to help monitor, detect, and identify potential threats.
The statement said the new measures were especially significant against the backdrop of growing missile threats in several countries in recent days. Security was also increased in areas with high concentrations of Israelis overseas, including airports where Israeli airlines are operational. The Foreign Ministry said it was continuing to provide consular assistance to Israelis abroad wherever needed, as Israel remains on heightened alert amid ongoing regional tensions.
Israeli embassy, local synagogue said targeted in Azerbaijan
Meanwhile, Azerbaijani security services said Friday they thwarted an Iranian plot to attack the Israeli embassy in Baku and other Jewish targets in the country, according to reports in Azerbaijan.
The plot was reportedly conducted by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) with the aim of creating panic and reputational damage to the country.
According to Azerbaijani media, the Iranian plot sought to attack the Baku-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline, the Israeli embassy, a leader of the Mountain Jewish community, and a local synagogue. Security personnel reportedly located and neutralized three explosive devices associated with the plot.
NSC cites "concrete concerns" over threats to Israeli, Jewish targets
On Thursday, Israel’s National Security Council (NSC) urged Israelis overseas to maintain heightened vigilance worldwide, citing a “concrete concern” that terrorist operatives are currently seeking to attack Israelis abroad, as well as and Jewish targets worldwide. The NSC expressed growing concern over attacks in countries near Iran and across the Gulf region, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Jordan.
The warning came amid what the NSC described as increased motivation and expanded efforts to target Israeli and Jewish sites globally since the start of Operation Roaring Lion.