Ottawa says avoid all travel to Israel as the country braces for potential Iranian attack

Politics The federal government is recommending that Canadians avoid all travel to Israel, stating that the country faces a "heightened risk" of an attack on its territory.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly issued a statement on social media Friday cautioning Canadians to avoid all travel to Israel.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly posted on X, formerly Twitter, that Canadians should avoid all travel to Israel and the West Bank.

"With a heightened risk of attacks on Israeli territory, the regional security situation remains highly volatile & could escalate without notice," she said.

Since the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza began six months ago, there have been almost daily exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group along the Israel-Lebanon border.

The Israeli army's spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said late Friday that Israel is ready for a "wide variety of scenarios" that include both defensive and offensive actions.