Since last night, I have been receiving updates from U.S. citizens on tour in Israel.
An American staying in Tiberias told me that when the attacks started and sirens began going off, the tourists were woken to pounding on the doors of their bedrooms.
Although some people had already been taken to a bunker for a short period, my source and others were taken to a safety briefing and informed that they did not face immediate danger.
Tiberias is located in northern Israel, on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, and roughly 80 miles from Tel Aviv.
All Israelis in the hotel returned to their homes following the air raid sirens, and the tourists are currently on lockdown. Despite the limited threat in their specific location, I was told “they aren’t allowing us to leave.”
While Israeli city populations are under more severe threat, my source stated that they do not have to be in any form of bomb shelter “unless we hear an alarm specific to Tiberias.”
Israeli bomb shelter in Tiberias on June 13, 2025 (The American Spectator)
Events planned for the guided tour have been canceled, and the sites have been closed across the country. Israel, which brings roughly three million tourists a year, is likely to halt tours to historic or holy sites in the country. This will significantly impact the country’s economy, as tourism generates between $6 billion and $8 billion annually.
The American tourists have been advised to remain in the hotel, primarily because it is close to other shelters and protected areas. This will be crucial in case of attacks from Iran, Syria, or other surrounding forces.
There was no previous indication to tourists that an incident might be expected, highlighting the surprise nature of the attack. “Apparently, no one knew about the strike,” said a member of the American travel group.
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