The National Security Council
Tuesday warned Israelis against visiting Iraq, citing the danger to their lives there and reminding them that such visits are a criminal offense under Israeli law.

Israel Radio said dozens of Israeli businessmen have recently traveled to Iraq, despite the raging warfare there.

"In light of the increasing number of Israelis visiting Iraq and given the severity of the threats to them there, the National Security Council wishes to remind the Israeli public ... that visiting Iraq is very dangerous," a council statement said. The lives of Israelis in Iraq are at tangible risk.

	Advertisement

An Israeli security official contacted by The Associated Press refused to elaborate on the background to the warning.

Under Israeli law, citizens are forbidden to visit Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia or Yemen, all of which are technically at war with Israel.

Egypt and Jordan are the only Arab states to have signed formal peace treaties with Israel.