U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee issued a directive to embassy staff on Friday morning, telling non-emergency personnel and their families that if they intend to leave the country, they must do so “TODAY.”
The urgent guidance, sent in an email at 10:24 a.m. local time and verified by The New York Times, comes as the Department of State officially authorized the departure of non-essential government employees and their relatives due to escalating safety risks.
“There is no need to panic,” Huckabee reportedly wrote to his staff, “but for those desiring to leave, it’s important to make plans to depart sooner rather than later.”
The Ambassador warned that the call for departure would “likely result in high demand for airline seats today.” He instructed those leaving to prioritize speed over destination, telling staffers to “focus on getting a seat to anyplace from which you can then continue travel to DC, but the first priority will be getting expeditiously out of the country.”
This move follows a tense week in which President Trump signaled he would decide on potential military action against Tehran within days. The third round of talks in Geneva ended Thursday without a breakthrough, as U.S. negotiators reportedly demanded the total dismantling of Iran’s Fordow and Natanz facilities.
READ: War Or Peace: Trump Envoys Hold Marathon Nuclear Talks With Iran In Geneva
In response, Iran has conducted live-fire drills near the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to target American bases if attacked.
The U.S. Embassy has now placed strict limits on its remaining staff. Personal travel is prohibited within 11 kilometers of the Gaza border and within 4 kilometers of the Lebanese and Syrian borders. Government employees are also barred from personal travel to the West Bank, with few exceptions for daylight travel to Jericho and Bethlehem via specific routes.
U.S. citizens currently in Israel or the West Bank are being urged to “reconsider travel” and remain vigilant at all times. The State Department has categorized Gaza and the northern border zones as “Do Not Travel” areas. Officials are advising those who stay to identify the nearest bomb shelters and download real-time alert applications for missile attacks.
The embassy warned that it may impose further travel restrictions with little or no notice. For those remaining, the government is recommending comprehensive medical insurance that includes evacuation coverage, as routine or emergency consular services cannot be guaranteed in high-risk zones.
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