Grim government warning for Aussies to steer clear of Middle East warzone amid fears of a nuclear apocalypse
The Australian government has issued a chilling new warning for Aussies headed to Israel after it launched its raid on Iran and the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Lebanon.
In a statement published on Friday on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's (DFAT) Smart Traveller website, officials advised people to rethink their travel plans.
'Reconsider your need to travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories overall due to the volatile security situation, armed conflict, civil unrest and terrorism,' it warned.
Former Australian Ambassador to Israel, Liberal senator Dave Sharma backed the upgraded official warning in light of the latest attacks.
'I'd urge all Australians to pay close attention and heed the updated travel advice,' he told Daily Mail Australia.
The updated travel alert follows the pre-emptive Israeli strike on Iran, targeting military and nuclear facilities, amid claims Iran was just days away from developing nuclear weapons.
Israel's military says it had killed three top Iranian military leaders in an overnight operation.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed retaliation, warning Israel it 'must expect severe punishment'.
In response, Israel has declared a national state of emergency.
Defence Minister Israel Katz warned Israeli citizens to brace for potential drone and missile attacks from Iran 'in the immediate future.'
Schools and most workplaces across Israel were ordered shut on Friday.
DFAT reiterated its advice on Friday afternoon.
'We continue to advise reconsider your need to travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories overall due to the volatile security situation, armed conflict, civil unrest and terrorism,' the alert read.
'We continue to advise do not travel to Gaza and areas near the border with Gaza, border areas with Lebanon and the West Bank (excluding East Jerusalem).
'If you're in Israel, you should reconsider whether you need to remain and, if not, depart when it's safe to do so.'
Smart Traveller also warned of ongoing threats, including missile and rocket fire in parts of Israel, and urged Australians not to travel to border areas with Lebanon.
'In an attack or other armed conflict, you should take shelter, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media and public safety information updates through the National Emergency Portal (accessible in Israel only),' the alert said.
'Terror attacks can occur anywhere at any time, including by lone actors. Be alert to personal safety risks.
'There continues to be a high threat of military and terrorist attacks against Israel and Israeli interests across the region. The security situation could deteriorate quickly, with little or no notice.
'This has resulted and may continue to result in airspace closures, flight cancellations, diversions, and other travel disruptions.'
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has called for calm, over fears tensions will boil over.
'Australia is alarmed by the escalation between Israel and Iran,' Wong said.
'This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile.
'We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that would further exacerbate tensions. We all understand the need, the threat of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program.
'It represents a threat to international peace and security and we urge the parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy.'
Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Michaelia Cash echoed Wong's comments, saying the Coalition was 'concerned'.
She urged all Australians in the region to follow official advice.
'We expect the Government to prioritise the safety of Australian personnel and their families,' Cash said.
Cash also called on Iran to stop funding terror groups.
'We also call on Iran to stop its sponsorship of terrorism, including backing Hamas and Hezbollah,' she said.
'Iran must also guarantee that it will not pursue or acquire nuclear weapons.'
Israel's ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, said the latest military action against Iran is aimed at halting the regime's advancing nuclear ambitions.
'A nuclear-armed Iran poses an existential threat to the State of Israel and a grave danger to regional and global stability,' Maimon said.
Maimon warned that Iran's actions and intentions go far beyond its borders.
'The regime's expansionist ideology, its support for terrorist proxies across the Middle East and its growing arsenal of long-range missiles demand urgent action.'
Late Friday afternoon Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Deffrin revealed new details about the attack.
He said that some 200 Israeli fighter jets had participated in the operation, striking around 100 targets.
Deffrin said the attacks would continue.
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