Consul general says reviewing alternatives after Israeli consulate in New York evacuated

Consul General Ofir Akunis said he instructed to examine alternatives to continue work as usual as quickly as possible, after all consulate employees were evacuated due to a risk of a nearby building collapse, according to journalist Tomer Almagor (N12).

Consul General Ofir Akunis is reviewing alternatives to resume consulate operations after all employees were evacuated from the Israeli consulate in New York due to a structural risk. The evacuation was first reported at 19:01 Jerusalem, and by 19:20, Akunis confirmed he has instructed to examine options to continue work as usual as quickly as possible. No injuries have been reported.

At 19:01 Jerusalem, initial reports cited concerns of a tower collapse. Subsequent reports specified that structural columns had buckled inside a skyscraper undergoing construction work, prompting a precautionary evacuation. The evacuation was later confirmed to be due to a risk of collapse of a nearby building. The Zioneer reported the evacuation at 19:16 Jerusalem.

The evacuation occurs as Akunis has been vocal on security issues in New York. As The Zioneer reported, Akunis warned of a 'direct and immediate danger' to Jewish safety from a mayoral candidate's incitement, and discussed security concerns following a shooting at a Jewish community center in Montreal. The consulate evacuation is unrelated to those threats, stemming instead from a construction-related structural concern.

The exact cause of the structural risk and the timeline for consulate employees to return to the building remain unclear. Emergency services are assessing the situation, and no injuries have been reported.

3 developments

1. 2 hours ago · 19:28 · 7 JulLatest

   Consulate employees evacuated from nearby building due to structural collapse risk.

2. 19:21 · 7 Jul

   Consul General Akunis is reviewing alternatives to resume consulate operations.

3. 19:07 · 7 Jul

   Structural columns buckled inside the building during construction work.

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