The Counter Terrorism Bureau issued a travel advisory today indicating a ‘clear and present danger' to Israeli tourists visiting Sinai and Egypt.  Israelis planning to go to Sinai are strongly urged to change those plans, and ones already there to leave immediately.  The Bureau has information indicating that there is a severe risk of abduction due to increased Hezbollah activity in the area, with plans to kidnap Israelis from Sinai and smuggle them to Gaza.  This advisory, while not expressly prohibiting travel to Sinai, is an upgrade from the travel advisory already in place for awhile now recommending against travel to Sinai because Israelis' safety cannot be guaranteed.

Defence Minister Ehud Barak has stated that last week, at least two attacks on Israelis in different parts of the world were thwarted in conjunction with foreign authorities.  The Hezbollah's motive behind the planned abductions is revenge for the death of Imad Mugniyah that it lays at Israel's door, according to Barak.  Government figures and businessmen, especially those dealing with Arab/Muslim entities, are at particular risk.

The Counter Terrorism Bureau offers suggestions for Israelis travelling abroad to help protect themselves:  

* First and foremost, avoid visiting or staying in Arab/Muslim countries or any others included in travel advisories, including ones considered ‘a potential terror threat’ such as Thailand, the Philippines, Uzbekistan, and Turkey. 

* Keep an eye out for any irregular phenomenon you might notice where you are. 

* Refuse any tempting invitation, offer, gift, freebie activity, encounter in remote places, etc. from anyone suspicious or unknown to you. 

* Don’t open your door to strangers or unexpected visitors. 

* If your stay abroad is extended, don’t follow set patterns that can be used by terrorists to get at you.  Switch hotels, routes, and where you go for shopping, dining, entertainment, etc. occasionally.