Fact Check: U.S. travel advisory for Israel raised to Level 4: 'do not travel'.

Fact Check: U.S. Travel Advisory for Israel Raised to Level 4: 'Do Not Travel'

What We Know

The U.S. Department of State has issued travel advisories for various countries, including Israel, which are categorized into four levels. As of June 12, 2025, the travel advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza is indeed at Level 4, which indicates a "Do Not Travel" warning due to armed conflict, terrorism, and civil unrest (Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Travel Advisory, Travel Advisories). The advisory explicitly states that U.S. citizens should avoid traveling to these areas for safety reasons.

The advisory has been updated in response to increased regional tensions and security concerns, particularly regarding the situation in Gaza and the West Bank (Security Alert – Exercise Increased Caution in the Region). The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has also issued alerts advising U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution and to stay informed about the evolving security situation (Alerts and Messages).

Analysis

The claim that the U.S. travel advisory for Israel has been raised to Level 4: "Do Not Travel" is accurate based on the current advisories from the U.S. Department of State. The advisory at Level 4 is the highest warning level and is issued under circumstances of significant risk to travelers. The information provided by the Department of State is reliable, as it is the official government source responsible for travel advisories and safety information for U.S. citizens abroad.

However, it is essential to note that while the advisory is at Level 4, this does not mean that travel is entirely impossible; rather, it indicates that travelers should be aware of the risks involved and consider postponing travel to the region (Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza International). The advisory system is designed to inform citizens of potential dangers and is regularly updated based on the security landscape.

The credibility of the sources is high, as they come directly from official government websites, including the U.S. Embassy and the Department of State, which are tasked with providing accurate and timely information regarding international travel safety.

Conclusion

Verdict: False. The claim that the U.S. travel advisory for Israel has been raised to Level 4: "Do Not Travel" is true; however, the phrasing may imply a sudden change or urgency that is not fully representative of the ongoing advisory status. The advisory has been at Level 4 due to ongoing risks, and while it is indeed a serious warning, it reflects a continuation of existing concerns rather than a new development.

Sources

1. Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Travel Advisory
2. Travel Advisories
3. Alerts and Messages
4. Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza International
5. Security Alert – Exercise Increased Caution in the Region
6. Travel Advisories - Department of State
7. Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
8. State Department elevates travel advisory for Israel to "do not travel"