The NYPD said it is ramping up security at Jewish sites across New York City after Israel launched strikes on Iran overnight.

The precautionary measures aim to protect Jewish communities amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. 

“Out of an abundance of caution, we’re deploying additional resources to Jewish, Israeli and other sites throughout NYC,” the NYPD wrote on X late Thursday as the attacks were unfolding.

The NYPD said it is ramping up security at Jewish sites across New York City after Israel launched strikes on Iran overnight. NYPD officers outside a synagogue earlier this month.  (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

“My priority is keeping New Yorkers safe,” Hochul wrote on X.

There has also been increased security outside the Israeli embassy in Washington D.C., Fox 5 reported. 

The Community Security Service, a group that trains volunteer synagogue security guards in New York City and other U.S. cities, told its network to remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior. It also told its network to review security protocols and request increased police presence.

The heightened tensions across the state come as Israel carried out targeted attacks on Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure.

The strikes took out at least 20 senior Iranian commanders, including Gen. Hossein Salami, the leader of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, the chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces, as well as several nuclear scientists. 

Smoke rises after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, on Friday, June 13, 2025.  (AP/Vahid Salemi)

The sweeping strikes, called “Operation Rising Lion,” followed months of attempted and seemingly failed nuclear negotiations.

Following Israel’s preemptive attack on Iran, the Navy directed the guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner to begin sailing toward the Eastern Mediterranean and has directed a second destroyer to begin moving closer to Israel as well, a U.S. official tells Fox News.

This echoes a move the US made in April 2024 after Iran shot ballistic missiles at Israel. At the time, USS Carney and USS Arleigh Burke shot down the missiles.

Fox News’ Rachel Wolf contributed to this report.