180 Koreans Enter Israel for Religious Event... Government Advises Departure

The Number of Koreans Staying in Israel Increases to Over 680

Israeli house destroyed by Hezbollah attack. Photo by Yonhap News

Amid ongoing armed clashes between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, it has been reported that over 180 Koreans have entered Israel to attend a religious event.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 26th, more than 180 Koreans arrived in Israel the previous day to participate in a local event organized by a religious group. As a result, the number of Koreans staying in Israel has increased from about 500 to over 680.

The government is checking the status of nationals residing in the Middle East, including Israel, daily to ensure their safety. So far, no reports of harm to Korean nationals have been received. The government is strongly urging overseas Koreans staying in Israel to depart as soon as possible. Direct and indirect recommendations to leave have also been made to the religious group involved.

Israel is a region where concerns about escalation have grown following the assassination of Hamas's top political leader. Currently, a Level 3 travel advisory (recommendation to leave) is in effect throughout Israel except for the Israel-Lebanon border area. The Israel-Lebanon border area is under a Level 4 travel advisory, which prohibits travel.

In the early hours of the 25th (local time), Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah exchanged large-scale airstrikes, resulting in a direct confrontation. The attacks caused casualties on both sides, heightening tensions once again in the Middle East region.