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.”

Huckabee posted to X a link to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for regular updates.

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

Overnight Sunday, 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 has previously said 700,000 Americans are present in Israel, although that figure likely includes tourists, students and other temporary residents.