U.S. Signals Possible Evacuation Plans for Americans in Israel
(MENAFN) The United States clarified on Wednesday that there was no formal announcement regarding assistance for private citizens wishing to leave Israel. However, hours later, the US Embassy in Jerusalem revealed it was exploring evacuation possibilities amid the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
“Urgent notice! American citizens wanting to leave Israel - US Embassy in Israel … is working on evacuation flights & cruise ship departures,” US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee posted on X late Wednesday night. He also urged citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive timely updates.
This statement came roughly nine hours after the US Embassy in Jerusalem declared on X that it had “no announcement” concerning support for private citizens’ departure. The Embassy emphasized that the State Department “is always planning for contingencies to assist with private U.S. citizens’ departure from crisis areas.”
Despite the announcement of potential evacuation efforts, significant uncertainty remains over when or if such flights or cruise ship options will be operational, as both Ben Gurion Airport and Israeli seaports continue to be closed.
Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump told reporters he had yet to decide on authorizing military involvement in Israel’s campaign against Iran, stating: "I may do it. I may not do it."
The tension in the region has sharply increased since Friday, when Israel initiated airstrikes targeting multiple Iranian sites, including military bases and nuclear installations. Iran retaliated with missile strikes on Israeli territory.
Israeli officials report that Iranian missile attacks have resulted in at least 24 fatalities and hundreds of injuries. Meanwhile, Iranian media indicate that 585 people have been killed and over 1,300 wounded due to the Israeli strikes.
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