U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem issues warning

JERUSALEM (CNN) -- The U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem issued a security notice Wednesday for employees and U.S. citizens in reaction to Palestinian threats to avenge Israel's killing of a Hamas military commander in Gaza.

"In the aftermath of the targeted killing of a senior Hamas military wing leader and his family members in Gaza, Hamas spokesmen have vowed to carry out acts of revenge in Israel," the U.S. warning said. "We and the Israeli authorities believe these to be credible threats."

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Tuesday's Israeli F-16 airstrike killed Salah Shehade, who headed the Izzedin al-Qassam Brigade, the military wing of the Islamic group Hamas, and 14 others. About 150 people also were wounded in the attack, which provoked international criticism. White House press secretary Ari Fleischer said the strike was "heavy-handed" and "does not contribute to peace."

Americans were urged to "exercise a high degree of caution," especially in restaurants, cafes, malls and theaters.

The warning notes that discos and clubs remain off-limits to Americans who are consulate employees.

The consulate also urged U.S. citizens to vary driving routes and travel times and to avoid congested traffic points. Consulate employees who are Americans were "prohibited from using public buses and are strongly advised to avoid bus stops and the areas around them."

Buses and bus stops have frequently been the scenes of suicide bombing attacks.

The consulate said that high-profile areas -- including the Ben Yehuda pedestrian mall, the Mahane Yehuda market area and portions of King George Street in Jerusalem -- remain off-limits to consulate staff and family members. All have been the scenes of suicide bombings.

The warning noted the Old City of Jerusalem is off-limits to consulate employees and urged Americans to "exercise extreme caution" in the Old City as well as a number of neighborhoods in East and West Jerusalem.