Fact Check: "US Embassy in Jerusalem closes for three days amid rising tensions."
What We Know
The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem announced its closure for three days, from Wednesday, June 18, through Friday, June 20, 2025, due to escalating security concerns related to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. This information was confirmed in a security alert issued by the U.S. Embassy, which stated that all U.S. government employees and their families were instructed to shelter in place. The alert emphasized the need for increased personal security awareness and the importance of knowing the location of nearby shelters in case of emergencies, such as rocket or missile fire.
The embassy's closure included all consular services in both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, with no passport or Consular Report of Birth Abroad services available during this period. Additionally, the alert indicated that Ben Gurion Airport remained closed, and there were no commercial or charter flights operating from there, further complicating the situation for U.S. citizens in the region (source-1, source-2).
Analysis
The claim that the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem closed for three days amid rising tensions is supported by official communications from the embassy itself. The security alert clearly outlines the reasons for the closure, linking it directly to the heightened security situation due to the conflict between Israel and Iran. This source is credible as it comes directly from the U.S. government, which is responsible for the safety and security of its personnel abroad.
Moreover, the embassy's alerts are consistent with previous communications regarding the security environment in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, which have been characterized by increased caution due to regional tensions (source-4). Other news reports, such as one from Reuters, corroborate the embassy's announcement, indicating that multiple reputable sources are reporting the same information.
While some sources discuss the broader context of the conflict, such as the Hamas attacks in October 2023, they do not directly contradict the embassy's closure announcement. Instead, they provide context for the ongoing security concerns that led to the embassy's decision.
Conclusion
The claim that the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem closed for three days amid rising tensions is True. The closure was officially announced by the embassy in response to the current security situation, and this information is supported by multiple credible sources, including the embassy's own alerts and reputable news outlets.
Sources
- Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem - U.S. Embassy in Israel
- Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem (June 17, 2025)
- Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem
- Security Alert – Exercise Increased Caution in the Region
- Israel and Hamas October 2023 Conflict: Frequently Asked ...
- Alert Archives - U.S. Embassy in Israel
- Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza Travel Advisory (June 16, ...
- US to shut embassy in Jerusalem from Wednesday through ...
