Israeli embassy: Suspicious 'person and vehicle' found at Washington building

Suspicious activity comes after Israel barred two US congresswoen from visiting

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Officials are responding to reports of a "suspicious person and vehicle" near the Israeli embassy in Washington, according to the US Secret Service.

In a statement, the agency said that roads have been closed near the cause of suspicion, and that officers began their response just after 8am.

The statement continues: “Uniformed Division officers initiated road closures to vehicular and pedestrian traffic and MPD EOD responded to the scene and cleared the vehicle. Road closures remain in effect and will be lifted at the conclusion of the investigation.”

The Israeli embassy did not immediately comment on the suspicious activity.

The concern comes just a day after Israel announced that it would bar two members of Congress from visiting the country a seemingly unprecedented move for the country that regularly hosts American politicians.

Those politicians, representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, were both planning a visit this coming weekend. And, both have feuded with Donald Trump — who tweeted on Thursday that Israel should not allow them to enter the country.

Both women declined to vote in favour of a House resolution opposing the boycotting of Israel. Ms Tlaib is a US born representative of Palestinian descent. Ms Omar is a naturalised US citizen.

It was not immediately clear if the situation at the embassy was related to the Israeli decision.