U.S. diplomatic officials in Mideast to discuss security

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Officials at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv and the U.S. consulates in East and West Jerusalem are planning to meet Monday morning to assess security in Israel and the Palestinian territories, the State Department said Sunday.

The meeting also will determine what measures, if any, should be taken to ensure the security of American personnel, their families and U.S. citizens in the region, a senior State Department official said.

This plan comes in the wake of reports that a group of Palestinian organizations has issued a threat to target Americans in the Middle East for what the groups call the Bush administration's pro-Israel stance.

The senior State Department official said there is "some question" as to the authenticity of these Palestinian groups' reported statements. The official added that U.S. authorities do not know if the sources of the threats are legitimate spokesmen for these groups or simply individuals "trying to stir up trouble."

The State Department issued a public announcement February 14 expressing concern "about the potential for further clashes, demonstrations and violent responses in the region and elsewhere" in light of ongoing tensions in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza over the past year and a half.

On March 17, the State Department issued a worldwide caution asking American citizens overseas "to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution" in light of credible reports of terrorist threats.