On October 25, 2024, Israel's national security council issued a warning advising Israeli citizens to leave tourist areas in Sri Lanka's southern region, particularly Arugam Bay, due to a credible terrorist threat [15ee11a3]. This warning follows similar alerts from the US embassy and the German foreign ministry, highlighting the growing concerns for the safety of Israeli tourists in the area [15ee11a3]. Despite these warnings, reports indicate that a small number of Israeli tourists remain in Arugam Bay, with only three Israelis currently present, including one long-term resident who expressed feeling safe and anticipating family visits [15ee11a3].
Local authorities have noted a significant drop in Israeli tourist numbers, plummeting from 600-700 to just 20 following the warnings [15ee11a3]. In response to the heightened threat, Sri Lankan police have arrested three suspects linked to the potential attack and have implemented increased security measures, including checkpoints and a stronger police presence in tourist areas [15ee11a3]. The backdrop of these events is the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has seen a rise in threats against Israelis since the war began on October 7, 2023 [15ee11a3].
The US embassy had previously issued a warning on October 23, 2024, about a potential attack targeting popular tourist locations in Arugam Bay, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance among visitors [c1b01b69]. This alert coincided with social media calls for boycotts of Israeli-owned businesses amid protests by local Muslim groups against Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon [c1b01b69]. The embassy's warning reflects broader concerns about safety in the region, especially considering the tragic Easter Sunday bombings in 2019 that killed 279 people [c1b01b69].
In light of these developments, the Sri Lanka Journalists for Global Justice (SLJGJ) has called for the government to reconsider its rapid engagement with Israel, suggesting that such ties could undermine Sri Lanka's historical commitment to justice and social equity [583111c8]. Thilina Walpola, responding to earlier critiques, emphasized the importance of learning from past mistakes and making informed decisions regarding international alliances [77535060]. The current situation in Arugam Bay, particularly regarding the safety of Israeli tourists, underscores the complexities of Sri Lanka's foreign policy and its implications for national security and international reputation [c1b01b69][583111c8][77535060].