U.S. Authorizes Departure of Non-Essential Personnel from Israel as Regional Tensions Surge

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – The U.S. State Department on Friday authorized the departure of non-emergency government personnel and their family members from Israel, citing escalating “safety risks” amid intensifying regional tensions.

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem warned that “increased regional tensions can cause airlines to cancel and/or curtail flights into and out of Israel,” urging American citizens to consider leaving while commercial options remain available.

According to a report by the The New York Times, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee emailed embassy staff Friday morning instructing those wishing to depart to “do so TODAY.” In the message, Huckabee emphasized that high demand for airline seats was expected and urged staff to secure flights to any destination from which they could continue on to Washington.

The embassy also reiterated longstanding security concerns, warning that terrorist groups and lone actors may carry out attacks “with little or no warning,” targeting tourist sites, transportation hubs, markets, and government facilities. The security environment, officials noted, “is complex and can change quickly.”

U.S. government employees remain restricted from traveling within seven miles of the Gaza demarcation line and within 2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders. The embassy indicated it may impose additional travel restrictions, including limitations related to the Old City of Jerusalem and parts of the West Bank.

Despite the diplomatic alert, Israel’s Home Front Command has not issued new directives for civilians as of Friday afternoon.

Local leaders, however, are preparing for potential escalation. Beersheva Mayor Reuven Danilovich ordered municipal authorities to ready public shelters. Bat Yam Mayor Tzvika Brot told Channel 12 that the city could shift to full emergency operations “within 20 minutes,” while stressing there is “no need to panic” and that routine life continues.

Hospitals across Israel have completed preparations to transition into emergency mode, including the capacity to operate in underground and fortified facilities if necessary.

The move comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain at a boiling point following stalled nuclear negotiations in Geneva.

China also urged its citizens in Israel to strengthen security precautions and emergency preparedness. Beijing separately advised nationals to avoid travel to Iran and called on those there to leave as soon as possible.

Other nations—including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia—have issued advisories urging citizens to leave Iran or parts of the broader Middle East amid the deteriorating security situation.

While no immediate escalation has been formally announced, the rapid diplomatic and logistical adjustments underscore the volatility of the moment as regional actors brace for potential developments.

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