The FBI and the US Department of Homeland Security on Thursday warned of an elevated threat level to Jewish and Israeli targets, following a string of attacks.

The announcement said it came in response to the firebombing of a pro-hostages rally in Colorado this week, and the killing of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington last month. Both attackers cited the Gaza war as their motivation, according to investigators.

A pro-Palestinian arsonist also targeted the home of Jewish Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro in April.

“The ongoing Israel-HAMAS conflict may motivate other violent extremists and hate crime perpetrators with similar grievances to conduct violence against Jewish and Israeli communities and their supporters,” the announcement said. Some US government agencies refer to Hamas in capital letters because the name is an acronym.

“Foreign terrorist organizations also may try to exploit narratives related to the conflict to inspire attacks in the United States. The FBI and DHS, therefore, urge the public to remain vigilant and to report........

© The Times of Israel