Embassy of Israel in Wellington closes amid international conflict
A pro-Palestinian protest outside the Israeli Embassy building in 2023.
Photo:
RNZ / Bill Hickman
The Israeli embassy in New Zealand has shut as part of a worldwide closure of the country's diplomatic missions.
The closures comes as
tensions remain high
in the region - Israel launched an
attack on Iranian nuclear and military facilities
on Friday, which Iran responded to with the launch of 100 drones.
The Embassy of Israel - on Brandon Street in Wellington - services Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands and Niue, as well as New Zealand. It also operates a consulate office in Auckland.
A message on the embassy's website announced the decision:
"In light of recent developments, Israeli missions around the world will be closed and consular services will not be provided," it said.
"An online form is available for Israelis abroad to report their location and current status."
The message also issued general safety guidelines for Israelis abroad - encouraging them to avoid displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols in public spaces and avoid attending large gatherings or events associated with Israel or Jewish communities.
An 'unpublish' date on the message indicated it was intended to appear on the website until the end of July.
RNZ has contacted the embassy for comment.
The move comes as part of a global shutting of Israeli embassies.
Israel's embassy in Sweden said the country would close its diplomatic missions around the world and that consular services would not be provided at about 11pm on Friday night (NZ), Reuters reported. It did not say how long the missions would be closed.
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