Israel warns its citizens against traveling to Tunisia ahead of religious festival

Israel on Monday issued a “severe” warning to its citizens to avoid visiting Tunisia where hundreds of Jewish pilgrims will be celebrating the religious Lag BaOmer festival later this month.

In a statement released by the counter-terrorism bureau of the Israeli cabinet, the government said that its warnings are based on the existence of “terrorist entities” that continue to work in Tunisia and carry out operations.

“Terrorist elements, especially those affiliated with global jihad, continue to operate in Tunisia and commit attacks; therefore, there is a high threat level against Jewish targets,” said the statement.

Thousands of Jewish visitors journey to Djerba Island in southeast Tunisia to practise annual religious rituals in El-Ghriba synagogue which is situated there.

The number of Jewish visitors has however dropped since a 2002 suicide bombing claimed by Al-Qaeda that killed 21 people.

The Jewish community in Djerba is considered one of the largest Jewish communities in the Arab region.