TEL AVIV, Israel — The United States Embassy in Israel has authorized its staff to leave the country if they choose, as tensions escalate in the Middle East and concerns mount over a possible American military strike on Iran.
In an email sent before 10:30 a.m. Friday, U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee informed embassy personnel that discussions with officials in Washington resulted in the approval of “authorized departure” for employees wishing to exit Israel.
The message, recounted to The Associated Press by a source familiar with the communication but not authorized to disclose details publicly, urged staff to act quickly.
“Those wishing to take AD should do so TODAY,” Huckabee wrote, referring to “authorized departure.” He cautioned that while outbound flights may still be available in the coming days, there was no guarantee they would continue. Employees were advised to secure any available flight out of Israel and then proceed to Washington.
Despite the advisory, Huckabee stressed there was no need for panic, but emphasized the importance of prompt planning for those intending to leave. During a town hall meeting later Friday, he also said he was encouraging airlines to maintain flight operations.
The authorization follows the breakdown of nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran a day earlier. Although Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who has been mediating the talks, said significant progress had been made Thursday, no agreement was reached. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi provided no specific details but stated that “what needs to happen has been clearly spelled out from our side.”
Meanwhile, airlines have begun adjusting operations. Netherlands-based KLM announced plans to suspend flights from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport, reflecting growing regional uncertainty.
Other governments have also taken precautionary measures. Australia directed the departure of dependents of its officials stationed in Israel, citing a deteriorating security situation. India and several European countries have advised their citizens to avoid travel to Iran.
The move by the U.S. Embassy signals heightened contingency planning as American military assets, including aircraft and warships, increase their presence in the region. The developments underscore mounting instability across the Middle East as diplomatic efforts to contain tensions remain uncertain.
Edgardo Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
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