Israel Warns of Increased Threats to Jews Abroad Ahead of Passover; Hezbollah Cell Busted in Spain
Israel’s National Security Council (NSC) issues urgent security warning for Jews abroad ahead of Passover as Iranian proxy operations escalate in Europe and the Middle East.
In a heightened security alert ahead of the Jewish holiday of Passover, Israel’s National Security Council (NSC) has warned of increased threats to Israeli and Jewish individuals traveling or residing abroad, citing heightened terrorist activity by Iran and its proxies. The warning coincides with counter-terrorism operations in Europe, including the dismantling of a Hezbollah cell in Barcelona, as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate.
The NSC advisory, issued on April 1st., urges Israeli citizens and Jewish communities to exercise heightened caution during the upcoming holiday period. The council identified Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and global jihadist elements as active threats, stating they are “highly motivated” and continuing efforts to launch attacks targeting Israelis and Jews across the globe.
“Iran is the main instigator of global terrorism against Israeli and Jewish targets around the world, both directly and through its proxies. It continues to use terrorism as a key policy instrument,” the NSC said. The advisory highlighted a series of foiled plots over the past year, including attempts to attack Israeli diplomatic missions in Europe, notably in Sweden and Belgium.
The council specifically warned against travel to countries with elevated threat levels, including Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, and advised acting responsibly and with caution while abroad.
Hezbollah Network Uncovered in Spain
In a development that underscores the NSC’s warnings, Spanish authorities launched a counter-terrorism operation in Barcelona targeting members of Hezbollah. According to reports from Israel Hayom, Spanish security forces, working with the country's intelligence services, raided locations tied to Lebanese nationals suspected of operating under the direction of the Iran-backed militia.
This week’s operation follows a 2023 investigation into a Hezbollah-linked cell in Catalonia accused of manufacturing over 1,000 explosive drones. That network was believed to be planning attacks both in Europe and abroad, further revealing the organization’s international footprint.
Angel Mas, president of Action and Communication on the Middle East (ACOM), had previously raised concerns about Spain, describing it as a “testing ground for radicalization” in a European Union conference last month.
Hezbollah’s history of terrorist operations in Europe is well-documented, with the group responsible for several high-profile attacks in the region over the years. Notably, in 2012, a Hezbollah-linked bombing in Burgas, Bulgaria, killed five Israeli tourists.
Israeli Strike in Beirut Targets Hezbollah Operative
Meanwhile, on Israel’s northern front, tensions with Hezbollah intensified after an Israeli airstrike killed a senior operative in Beirut’s southern suburb of Dahieh, a known Hezbollah stronghold.
According to the IDF, the targeted individual was “a Hezbollah terrorist who had recently directed Hamas operatives and assisted them in planning a significant and imminent terror attack against Israeli civilians,” a development viewed as a dangerous escalation in the growing cooperation between Hezbollah and Hamas. The IDF warned that the alliance between these two groups could pose an even greater threat to Israeli security.
Rising Antisemitism and Global Jewish Security Concerns
Beyond direct threats from terrorist organizations, the NSC also noted an uptick in antisemitic incidents around the world since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2024. The council reported a “a surge in hate crimes and antisemitic incidents against Jews and Israelis around the world,” particularly in Western countries such as Canada, Australia, the UK, and Germany.
Community leaders in several cities have echoed these concerns. In Canada, for instance, Jewish schools and synagogues have faced threats, including attempted shootings, prompting increased security measures. In Australia, multiple arson attacks have been made on Jewish targets, including a Jewish daycare.
As Passover approaches, Jewish communities around the world are preparing not just for religious observance, but for increased security vigilance — a stark reminder of the global nature of the threats they face.