The State Department has issued an order for non-essential personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem to depart Israel as regional tensions intensify.
The embassy announced the decision early Friday morning.
In a statement, the embassy noted that “in response to security incidents and without advance notice,” it may impose additional restrictions on where U.S. government employees can travel within Israel.
According to The New York Times, which reviewed an email sent to staff, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told embassy personnel the move was made “out of an abundance of caution.”
He reportedly urged those preparing to leave to do so “TODAY.”
Huckabee encouraged staff to seek flights departing from Ben Gurion Airport to any available destination.
He warned that the embassy’s action “will likely result in high demand for airline seats today,” according to the Times.
While stressing that there was “no need to panic,” Huckabee emphasized that those intending to depart should “make plans to depart sooner rather than later.”
He advised employees to prioritize leaving the country quickly and then arrange onward travel to Washington, D.C.
“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,” Huckabee wrote, according to the Times.
Updated Travel Advisory
The embassy reiterated the State Department’s standing advisory urging U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank “due to terrorism and civil unrest.”
It further advised Americans not to travel to Gaza because of terrorism and armed conflict, and to avoid northern Israel within 2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders due to “continued military presence and activity.”
The department also recommended that U.S. citizens avoid travel within 1.5 miles of the Egyptian border, with the exception of the Taba crossing, which remains open.
In its warning, the embassy stated:
“Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.
“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.”
While Iran was not explicitly mentioned in the embassy’s notice, the advisory referenced “increased regional tensions” that could lead airlines to cancel or curtail flights into and out of Israel.
The decision underscores the rapidly evolving security situation in the region as U.S. officials weigh both diplomatic and military considerations.
READ MORE – Iran Threatens to Strike American Troops in Middle East
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