Threat Closes Tel-Aviv Embassy

The American ambassador closed the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv Thursday after receiving "credible and specific threats," a U.S. official said.

The ambassador, Ned Walker, ordered the embassy closed after receiving the threats, said U.S. Consulate spokeswoman Anne Casper. She would not elaborate, but Israeli radio stations said the threats were directed at embassy staff.

Outside the embassy, Israeli border police officers were seen talking to U.S. security officials and taking notes.

Casper said U.S. officials notified the appropriate Israeli authorities. Tel-Aviv police spokesman Nitza Friedman said "police are doing what they have to do."

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