US Embassy to help Americans evacuate from Israel

WASHINGTON — The US Embassy in Israel will facilitate departures via evacuation flights and cruise ships for American citizens seeking to leave the country amid the escalating conflict with Iran, Ambassador Mike Huckabee said Wednesday. 

The announcement comes as Iran and Israel continue to exchange deadly fire, prompting the US State Department on Monday to raise its travel advisory for Israel to Level 4, “Do Not Travel."

Citing the “security situation” and guidance from the Israeli military’s Home Front Command, the State Department announced Tuesday that the US Embassy in Jerusalem as well as its consular section in Tel Aviv would be closed through at least Friday.  

US government employees in Israel and their family members have been directed to shelter in place or near their residences until further notice. 

The potential threat to Americans was underscored early Monday when a barrage of nearby Iranian ballistic missiles caused minor damage to the US Embassy branch office in Tel Aviv. Huckabee said no personnel were injured in the attack.

Huckabee on Wednesday posted to X a link for Americans in Israel to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for regular updates. The ambassador has previously said that 700,000 Americans are present in Israel, although that figure likely includes tourists, students and other temporary residents.

 State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters Tuesday that the department continues “to monitor the complex and rapidly evolving situation on the ground as we continue to assess and address the needs of US citizens.”

Bruce said the department has issued more than 30 security alerts to countries in the region as well as updated its travel advisories for Iraq and Israel.

This developing story has been updated since initial publication.