Jerusalem: Following its extensive military offensive on Iranian soil, Israel has temporarily shut down all its diplomatic missions worldwide. In advisories posted on various embassy websites on Friday, the Israeli government also urged its citizens abroad to maintain a low profile and avoid displaying Jewish or Israeli identifiers in public settings, citing growing security concerns.

The alerts emphasized that all consular services have been suspended until further notice. Israeli nationals were advised to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with local law enforcement in the event of any hostile incidents. No official timeline was provided regarding the duration of these embassy closures. Staff at Israel’s diplomatic mission in Berlin, for instance, declined to comment, and the Israeli foreign ministry has yet to release an official statement.

To assist in monitoring and potentially aiding citizens during this period, Israelis residing or traveling abroad were encouraged to update their location details through an online foreign ministry form — a measure previously employed after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks for mobilizing reservists and organizing evacuation flights.

“In view of the current situation, all Israeli diplomatic missions will remain closed, and consular operations are suspended,” the online message read.

In response to the escalating situation, countries such as Germany have taken precautionary steps. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, after speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, announced enhanced security around Jewish and Israeli establishments. Increased police presence was reported around the Israeli embassy in Berlin and outside Stockholm's Great Synagogue.

The current closures come in the wake of Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructure and ballistic missile production sites. Israel claims to have eliminated several senior military figures in an operation it has hinted could continue for an extended period to neutralize Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump commented that Iran had brought the crisis upon itself by resisting American diplomatic efforts to curb its nuclear programme, warning that “even more severe” strikes could follow unless Iran reconsiders its stance.