Amid the riots in Albania: Israel's embassy in Tirana temporarily closed

Israel's embassy in Tirana has temporarily suspended its operations amid the escalation of protests in Albania against the government of Edi Rama and concerns for the safety of the diplomatic staff. Concurrently, unsubstantiated claims are circulating online about Israeli involvement in suppressing the protests.

Israel's embassy in Tirana, the capital of Albania, announced the temporary suspension of its operations amid the escalation of protests against the government of Edi Rama and concerns for the safety of diplomatic staff. The protests, driven by allegations of government corruption, high cost of living, and difficulties in the job market, have escalated into violent clashes between protesters and security forces. Concurrently, unsubstantiated claims are circulating on social media about Israeli involvement in suppressing the protests, including accusations of sending mercenaries and transferring means for dispersing protests. The closure of the embassy comes just days after the official visit of Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar to Albania, during which an aviation agreement between the countries was signed.