Israel has raised its threat levels for travel to a range of countries, with its National Security Council publishing the advisory on its website.

The threat level for many countries in western Europe, including Britain, France and Germany, for South America, including Brazil and Argentina, as well as Australia and Russia, has been raised to level two, with the recommendation to “exercise increased precaution”.

The threat level for countries in Africa, including South Africa and Eritrea, and Central Asia has been raised to level three, with the recommendation to “reconsider non-essential travel to these countries”.

Countries including Canada, the US, Denmark, Switzerland, Poland, Mongolia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand remain on the lowest threat ranking of level one.

The NSC said that since the beginning of the war in the Gaza Strip, it had identified increased efforts by Iran and its proxies to harm Israeli and Jewish targets around the world.

“At the same time, there is a constant and significant rise in incitement, attempted attacks and manifestations of anti-Semitism in many countries,” it said.

It urged that travel to Arab and Middle Eastern countries, the North Caucasus, countries bordering Iran and  several Muslim countries in Asia should be postponed completely.

The NSC advised travellers to check whether there had been anti-Israel protests and violence at their destinations, to stay away from demonstrations and protests and to avoid openly displaying their Israeli or Jewish identities.

They should also stay away from Israeli and Jewish gatherings.

Pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli demonstrations have been held in many countries in Europe and the Americas normally seen as welcoming to Israelis.