URGENT Suggested Guidance - Israeli Actions in Gaza

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 135463 E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/30/2023 TAGS: ASEC PTER CASC SUBJECT: URGENT Suggested Guidance - Israeli Actions in Gaza Strip Classified by: Acting DS PDAS Greg Starr for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). 1.(U) As of December 30, the security situation in ISRAEL and the Gaza Strip continues to intensify, with the Israeli military entering the fifth day of its air assault against targets in the Gaza Strip and Israeli ground troops, backed by tanks and artillery, massing along the Israel/Gaza border. Israel has reportedly rejected any ceasefire with HAMAS and has indicated that it is ready for "long weeks of action" in the region; the prospect of Israeli ground operations in Gaza remains a possibility. In turn, open source information states that HAMAS has urged Palestinian groups to respond using "all available means" against Israel, including the continuation of rocket attacks against Israeli territory and martyrdom operations. To date, media reports that the death toll in the area has surpassed 350 people. 2.(SBU) Demonstrations in reaction to the ongoing Israeli operations in Gaza have occurred in a number of countries in the Middle East and elsewhere. While the majority of these have been peaceful, the potential for larger and more violent protests may increase as Israeli actions continue. There is also the possibility that the incursion could generate anti- Western/anti-U.S. protests and threats/incidents if the U.S. is perceived as condoning-either directly or tacitly-the Israeli military operations. Past experience has shown that emotive issues dealing with the Israeli/Palestinian conflict have at times resulted in large and/or violent demonstrations at U.S. diplomatic posts worldwide, and particularly in the Muslim world. In many instances, such demonstrations have occurred following Friday prayers in South Asia, East Asia, and the Middle East. In addition, isolated instances of harassment or anti-Western assaults have also taken place in response to contentious issues. While there are no specific threats against U.S. interests related to the Israeli incursion at this time, DS remains concerned regarding the possible security ramifications that may arise for posts worldwide as a result of the ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip. 3.(C) We are aware that many posts are already operating at a heightened state of alert. However, as a precaution against any potential anti-U.S. fallout resulting from the conflict in Gaza, posts should continue to convene EACs as appropriate to assess what impact the local reaction may have on your security environment. Please continue to review the security posture for both USG and American community interests and determine what actions need to be taken to counter any potential threats, to include requesting appropriate host government support as necessary. 4.(SBU) RSOs may want to consider drawing on the following best security practices adapted from responses to previous violent demonstrations against U.S. and other Western facilities: (SBU) All sections should keep their personnel lists with current phone and contact information up to date to include any TDY personnel. (SBU) All sections are responsible for accounting for all personnel during an emergency situation. Sections should not wait for the Marine Security Guard (MSG) instruction, but take responsibility for their personnel. At the first sign of trouble, sections should account for all of their personnel (American as well as FSN) and then report those findings to the Marines at Post One. (SBU) Personnel should carry their radios with them. At a minimum, they should be carried to and from work as another means of communication. (SBU) If personnel are off compound and need information regarding demonstrations, road closures, or problems, they should contact the Marines at Post One via radio or cell phone or contact another designated location where information is being fed and is available twenty-four hours a day. (C) EACs should consider reducing the levels of classified material. The unclassified and SBU material needs to be segregated from classified holdings, and the most sensitive material should be readily identifiable for ease of destruction. (SBU) Everyone should know where their Quick 2000 masks are located. Use of gas may come without warning, and it is prudent for all personnel to have their mask readily available, if needed. (SBU) The EAC should discuss emergency procedures for mobs and intruders and remind all EAC members that, if in doubt about how to respond to any emergency, they could call the Regional Security Office, consult the Wardens' handbook, or contact the Marines at Post One. During the discussion, the EAC should be reminded of the location of the Mission Alternate Command Post. Note: if any of their staff found themselves off compound during an incident, they could go home or drive to the Mission Alternative Command Post. ¶5. (U) Minimize considered. RICE