The Sri Lankan Embassy in Tel Aviv has issued a public warning after several Sri Lankan migrant workers reported being targeted in chemical water cannon attacks in Israel.

According to the Embassy, small groups have been carrying out these assaults on foreign workers, particularly those travelling alone. Three Sri Lankans have so far informed the Embassy that they were attacked.

The Embassy has formally raised the matter with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA), urging authorities to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of all foreign workers, including Sri Lankans.

Following the first reported incident, police in Dimona arrested five youths between the ages of 13 and 19. They have been detained for six days as investigations continue. CCTV footage and other evidence are being examined to identify suspects linked to the additional attacks.

The Embassy noted that Israeli society generally treats foreign workers with respect and that such incidents involving young people are unusual. While many Israeli civilians legally possess automatic weapons and pistols due to mandatory military service—two years for young women and three years for young men—the misuse of firearms against civilians is extremely rare.

Israeli security forces are closely monitoring the situation, the Embassy said, while advising Sri Lankans in Israel to take extra precautions until the situation normalises.

The Embassy urged migrant workers to travel in groups, especially when carrying salaries for remittance. They were also advised to keep wallets, jewellery, and mobile phones secure and to avoid using phones while walking on roads.

Those facing emergencies are urged to call the Israeli Police Civil Affairs line at 100, or the free ambulance service at 101. Sri Lankans can also contact the Embassy’s emergency WhatsApp hotline on +94 71 844 7305.

The statement was issued by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Tel Aviv on 6 November and updated at 20:30 Israel time.