Get Out While You Still Can: U.S. Authorizes Departure for Embassy Families and Staff in Israel
The U.S. State Department has officially authorized the departure of non-emergency personnel and family members from its mission in Israel, citing heightened security risks. As commercial flights begin to dwindle, the U.S. Embassy warns citizens to "consider leaving now" amidst the peak of the U.S.-Iran military standoff and regional escalation.
The U.S. State Department elevated its emergency posture by authorizing "Authorized Departure" status for the U.S. Mission in Israel. This decision follows a similar move made in Lebanon earlier this week and signals a critical assessment of the immediate threat landscape.
Who is leaving? Non-emergency government employees and their eligible family members. Official statements cite "unpredictable security incidents" and the overall volatility of the regional environment as the U.S. approaches the final hours of its 10-day ultimatum to Iran.
Commercial Flight Warning: The U.S. Embassy Jerusalem explicitly advised private U.S. citizens to consider leaving the country "while commercial flights are still available," hinting at a possible closure of Ben Gurion Airport if hostilities commence.
The NYT reportedly received a copy of an email that Mike Huckabee emailed U.S. staff, urging those wishing to leave Israel to depart "today," warning of likely high demand for flights from Ben Gurion Airport and stressing a rapid exit.
This drawdown is widely viewed by defense analysts as a "clearing of the decks" before potential kinetic action.
1. Travel Restrictions: U.S. government employees are now under strict travel bans for the Old City of Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria, effective immediately and without prior notice.
2. Global Alignment: Australia followed suit today, ordering its own diplomatic families to evacuate Israel, citing a "deteriorating security situation."
3. The "Midnight Hammer" Context: With the 4th Fighter Wing's F-15E arriving in the region today, the evacuation of families is the final checkbox in the Pentagon's standard pre-conflict checklist.