Additional Coverage:
- State Dept authorizes non-essential US Embassy personnel in Jerusalem to depart ahead of possible Iran strikes (foxnews.com)
U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem Authorizes Non-Essential Staff Departure Amid Regional Tensions
Jerusalem, Israel – The U.S. State Department has authorized the departure of non-essential personnel from the U.S.
Embassy in Jerusalem, a move made in anticipation of potential Iranian strikes. The embassy issued the directive early Friday morning, also indicating that future travel restrictions for U.S. government employees within Israel could be implemented “in response to security incidents and without advance notice.”
The decision follows a series of overnight discussions and calls, as reported by The New York Times, which reviewed an email sent to embassy staff by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.
In his email, Ambassador Huckabee stated that the measure was taken “out of an abundance of caution” and strongly advised those wishing to leave to “do so TODAY.” He urged staff to secure flights from Ben Gurion Airport to any destination, warning that the embassy’s announcement would likely lead to “high demand for airline seats today.”
While stressing “no need to panic,” Huckabee emphasized the urgency for those planning to depart to “make plans to depart sooner rather than later.” He further clarified, “Focus on getting a seat to anyplace from which you can then continue travel to D.C., but the first priority will be getting expeditiously out of country.”
The embassy’s advisory to U.S. citizens has been reiterated, urging them to reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank due to “terrorism and civil unrest.” Additionally, the department advises against travel to Gaza due to “terrorism and armed conflict,” and to northern Israel, particularly within 2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders, citing “continued military presence and activity.” Travel within 1.5 miles of the Egyptian border is also discouraged, with the exception of the Taba crossing.
“Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza,” the embassy’s warning stated. “Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. The security environment is complex and can change quickly, and violence can occur in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza without warning.”
Although the warning did not explicitly name Iran, it referenced “increased regional tensions” that could “cause airlines to cancel and/or curtail flights into and out of Israel.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to both the State Department and the White House for further comment on this evolving situation.