United States allows non-essential embassy staff to leave Israel on security grounds

Jerusalem – The United States State Department has authorised non-essential government personnel and their families to leave Israel on security grounds, according to the US Embassy in Israel on Friday (27 February).

In a statement, the US Embassy said the individuals concerned should consider leaving Israel whilst commercial flights remain operational.

The Embassy added that it may further restrict or prohibit US government employees and their families from travelling to certain areas of Israel, as well as to the Old City of Jerusalem and the West Bank, which is occupied by Israel and placed under strict Israeli security control.

According to US media reports, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee sent an email to US Embassy staff on Friday morning urging those wishing to leave Israel to do so immediately.

“Focus on securing flight seats to anywhere that allows you to continue your journey to Washington, but the first priority is to get out of the country immediately,” he stated, according to media reports.

This latest development occurs amid escalating tensions between Washington and Iran and an increase in US military capabilities in the Middle East. Earlier reports indicated that President Donald Trump is considering pre-emptive military strikes to pressure Iran in nuclear negotiations, following the third round of talks held in Geneva on Thursday (26 February).