Ambassador Mike Huckabee urged personnel to leave “today” as mission shifted to authorised departure status over escalating regional security concerns
The US Embassy in Israel has advised non-essential personnel and their families to leave the country immediately, citing escalating regional security concerns and the risk of a potential conflict with Iran
According to a News18 report, in a message to staff on Friday, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee urged embassy employees who wish to leave to do so “today,” encouraging them to secure seats on outbound flights from Ben-Gurion Airport as soon as possible.
The guidance follows the embassy’s shift to an “authorised departure” status, which permits non-emergency personnel and dependents to leave at government expense.
In his email, Huckabee said the move was taken out of “an abundance of caution” after consultations with the US State Department.
He said there was “no need to panic,” but highlighted the importance of departing “sooner rather than later” given rising regional tensions.
The advisory comes as negotiations between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear programme continue without a clear breakthrough, and as Washington has increased its military presence in West Asia.
Iran has warned it could retaliate against US bases and allies such as Israel should conflict break out.
The embassy’s advisory also suggests US citizens “consider leaving Israel while commercial flights are available,” reflecting concerns that conditions could deteriorate rapidly.
US-Iran nuclear talks
The United States and Iran made “significant progress” in a third round of nuclear talks in Geneva on Thursday, mediator Oman said, though prospects for a deal remain uncertain.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who led Tehran’s delegation, called the negotiations among the “most intense and longest” so far.
He said “good progress” was achieved with agreements on some issues, but key differences persist. The next round is expected within a week.
Iranian state media said Tehran reaffirmed its right to peaceful nuclear energy and rejected US demands to fully halt uranium enrichment or transfer its 400kg stockpile abroad.
Meanwhile on Friday, Iran urged Washington to abandon what it called “excessive demands” over its missile programme, after a Wall Street Journal report said the US may seek the dismantling of three major nuclear sites and the handover of all enriched uranium.
In talks with his Egyptian counterpart, Araghchi said progress requires “seriousness and realism” from the US, warning against miscalculations and maximalist positions.
With inputs from agencies
End of Article
