27.02.2026 16:41
The United States has approved the departure of non-emergency personnel from its embassy in Israel. Following this decision, which was made due to security threats, a notable statement came from the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee. Mike Huckabee warned embassy staff and U.S. citizens, "If you want to leave the country, do it today."
The U.S. Embassy in Israel has granted permission for non-essential personnel and their families to leave the country due to increasing tensions with Iran and emerging security risks. The decision was reported to have been made following rising security concerns in the region. The announcement came after the USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest aircraft carrier of the U.S., was said to have docked off the coast of Israel, positioned against Iran. This ship is considered an important military asset in a potential Iranian scenario.
"DUE TO SECURITY RISKS"
In a statement made by the U.S. Embassy in Israel, it was said, "On February 27, 2026, the State Department authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and their family members from the Israel Mission due to security risks." It was also reported that, depending on developments, travel restrictions or a complete ban could be imposed on personnel and their families to certain areas of Israel, including the Old City of Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank.
AMBASSADOR'S WARNING TO "LEAVE TODAY"
According to information obtained by the New York Times, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee stated in an email sent to personnel that those wishing to leave the country "should do so today." Huckabee used the phrase, "If you want to leave the country, do it today." He noted that personnel could make reservations from Ben-Gurion Airport to any country, emphasizing that the priority is to leave Israel quickly. The ambassador assessed, "There is no need to panic, but planning is important for those who wish to go."
TRAVEL WARNING PUBLISHED
A travel warning was also published on the U.S. Embassy's website in Israel. The statement included, "Due to security risks, the State Department has authorized non-emergency government personnel and their families at our mission in Israel to leave the country." It was also noted that personnel and their families should consider the option of leaving while commercial flights are still operating.
WARNING FROM CHINA TO ITS CITIZENS
Following the U.S. action, China also called on its citizens in Iran to leave the country. The Chinese state agency Xinhua announced that the security situation in Iran and the increasing tensions pose risks for Chinese citizens. Recently, Canada and Poland had also issued warnings to their citizens to leave Iran.