The U.S. State Department has initiated the evacuation of nonessential diplomats and their families from the U.S. embassy in Israel amidst escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran. This response follows increasing tensions, as President Donald Trump has issued warnings about the potential for U.S. military involvement in the conflict.
A government aircraft evacuated a group of U.S. diplomats and their family members who had requested to leave Israel on Wednesday. However, officials did not disclose the specific number of evacuees or how many may have opted to exit via land routes to neighboring countries like Jordan or Egypt. This evacuation flight coincided with U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee's announcement on social media that the embassy was preparing for potential evacuation options for private American citizens.
Shortly after Huckabee's message, the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs contradicted the previous statement, indicating that there were no current plans to assist private U.S. citizens in their departure from Israel or the Palestinian territories. The State Department did not clarify this inconsistency, but stated it is considering all available options and would notify the U.S. citizen community if new departure information becomes available. Furthermore, the department is providing guidance on routes for Americans wishing to leave by their own means, urging them to do so at the earliest opportunity when it is safe.
According to the State Department, the term "authorized departure" refers to the status that allows nonessential staff and families of U.S. mission personnel to leave the country at government expense. The ongoing conflict, along with recent comments from the White House and a repositioning of American military assets, points to an increased likelihood of U.S. involvement in a situation that could escalate into a broader regional conflict.
Trump's remarks have become progressively assertive about the possibility of coordinating with Israel to target Iran's nuclear infrastructure. On Wednesday, he stated that while he does not wish to launch a U.S. attack on Iran, he is prepared to act if deemed necessary.
The State Department has consistently heightened its alerts for American citizens residing in Israel and the broader region, including Iraq. Prior to Israel's initiation of airstrikes against Iran, both the State Department and the Pentagon issued directives for the U.S. embassy in Baghdad to order all nonessential personnel to evacuate. Additionally, the Defense Department has authorized a voluntary departure for military dependents from various locations across the Middle East.
In light of the intensifying conflict, the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem authorized the departure of nonessential staff and their families over the weekend, instructing remaining personnel to shelter in place until further notice. The embassy has been closed since Monday and is set to remain closed through at least Friday.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, the situation remains fluid and closely monitored by U.S. officials, as they evaluate the safety of American citizens and the implications of deepening involvement in the conflict between Israel and Iran.
