US Embassy in Israel Urges Staff to Depart Amid Rising Tensions with Iran

Urgent Departure Advisory Issued

On Friday, the US Embassy in Israel notified its personnel that they could leave the country, urging those contemplating departure to act swiftly due to the escalating threat of a potential American military strike on Iran.

In an email to embassy staff, US Ambassador Mike Huckabee indicated that discussions with Washington led to the authorization for voluntary departures.

The email, shared with the Associated Press by a source within the US mission who requested anonymity, was sent before 10:30 a.m. and emphasized the need for staff to prioritize securing flights out of Israel before heading to Washington.

Huckabee stated, "Those wishing to take AD should do so TODAY," referring to the term 'authorized departure.'

He cautioned that while flights may be available in the coming days, there is no guarantee.

Although he reassured that there was no cause for alarm, Huckabee stressed the importance of making travel arrangements promptly for those wishing to leave.

This advisory followed a breakdown in nuclear negotiations between Iran and the US, with airlines like KLM announcing the suspension of flights from Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport. Other embassies are also preparing for authorized departures from Israel and its neighboring regions.

On Wednesday, Australia ordered the departure of all dependents of its officials stationed in Israel due to the worsening security climate in the Middle East. Additionally, India and several European nations with missions in Iran have advised their citizens against traveling to the country.

During a town hall meeting held after the email was dispatched, Huckabee encouraged airlines to maintain their flight schedules.

The issuance of departure authorizations marks a significant escalation in contingency planning as a large number of US military aircraft and naval vessels gather in the Middle East.

Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who is facilitating the negotiations, noted that substantial progress was made on Thursday, although no concrete steps have been announced by officials from either Iran or the US.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mentioned on Thursday that the necessary actions have been clearly outlined from their perspective.