TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Tel Aviv (駐以色列代表處), Taiwan's de facto embassy in Israel, issued an urgent safety advisory on Friday (June 13) for all Taiwanese citizens and expatriates in the region following a significant Israeli airstrike on Iran. Amid rapidly escalating Middle East tensions, the office strongly urged Taiwanese nationals to strictly follow Israeli government safety protocols and remain vigilant as the situation continues to develop in the volatile region.
The military action, a pre-dawn Israeli airstrike, specifically targeted multiple locations within Iran, including sensitive nuclear facilities, dramatically heightening regional tensions. According to official figures, more than 270 Taiwanese nationals currently reside in Israel, prompting immediate assurances from the Taipei office that comprehensive emergency response protocols would be swiftly implemented to safeguard Taiwanese citizens. Representatives emphasized that contingency plans had been prepared in advance for such scenarios, reflecting Taiwan's commitment to protecting its nationals abroad during international conflicts.
In a further demonstration of diplomatic coordination, the office confirmed it would maintain open channels of communication and strengthen cooperation with embassies of like-minded nations operating in Israel to enhance protection for Taiwanese citizens. Responding to specific inquiries regarding the popular Taiwan-Israel working holiday programs that attract numerous young Taiwanese travelers annually, officials indicated that Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, 外交部) has established a dedicated monitoring system to track developments. The ministry will issue updated travel advisories as warranted by the evolving security situation, potentially affecting travel plans for hundreds of Taiwanese participants in these cultural exchange initiatives.
Through its official "Taiwan in Israel" Facebook page, which serves as a crucial communication channel during emergencies, the representative office issued additional reminders urging all Taiwanese nationals and expatriates to maintain regular contact with diplomatic staff. The social media announcement emphasized the importance of registering current locations and providing updated contact information to facilitate rapid assistance if the regional conflict escalates further. "Your safety remains our highest priority during this uncertain period," the post stated, reflecting the heightened concern among Taiwanese officials monitoring the situation from both Tel Aviv and Taipei. ◼