The U.S. Embassy in Israel has authorized voluntary departures for its staff, signaling heightened concern as tensions rise in the Middle East and uncertainty grows over a potential American strike on Iran.
According to an email sent Friday morning by U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, embassy personnel who wish to leave Israel have been given approval to do so immediately. The message, recounted to The Associated Press by a person familiar with the communication, urged staff considering departure to act quickly.
“Those wishing to take AD should do so TODAY,” Huckabee wrote, using the acronym for “authorized departure.” He cautioned that while outbound flights may be available in the coming days, that could change rapidly. Staff were advised to secure any available flight out of Israel first and then arrange onward travel to Washington.
Huckabee reportedly emphasized there was no cause for panic but encouraged proactive planning for those inclined to leave.
The authorization follows the collapse of nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran, which ended Thursday without an agreement. While officials have not publicly announced imminent military action, reports indicate a significant buildup of U.S. aircraft and naval assets in the region.
Commercial air travel has already begun to feel the impact of the deteriorating security environment. KLM announced it would suspend flights from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport, and other carriers are reassessing operations. Several foreign governments have also taken precautionary measures. Australia has directed dependents of its diplomatic personnel to leave Israel, while India and multiple European nations have advised citizens against travel to Iran.
Oman’s foreign minister, Badr al-Busaidi, who has been mediating between Tehran and Washington, said Thursday that “significant progress” had been made in discussions, though neither side confirmed tangible breakthroughs. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran’s position had been clearly communicated but offered no additional details.
In a town hall meeting with embassy staff after the email was sent, Huckabee reportedly said he was urging airlines to maintain service in and out of Israel.
The authorization of departures marks an escalation in contingency planning by the U.S. government as regional tensions intensify. While not a full evacuation order, the move reflects growing uncertainty and underscores the fragile state of diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further conflict.
