US Embassy in Israel authorizes departure of non-essential personnel amid US-Iran tensions

By Efe Ozkan

ISTANBUL (AA) – The US Embassy in Israel on Friday updated its travel advisory, authorizing the departure of non-emergency personnel and their family members amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington.

“On February 27, 2026, the Department of State authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of U.S. government personnel from Mission Israel due to safety risks,” the advisory said.

In addition to the updated advisory, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee sent an email to staff stating that it is vital to leave the country immediately if they wish to do so, according to The New York Times.

The notice said that it could “further restrict or prohibit U.S. government employees and their family members from traveling to certain areas of Israel, the Old City of Jerusalem, and the West Bank” without prior announcement in response to security incidents.

“Persons may wish to consider leaving Israel while commercial flights are available,” the statement concluded.

Similarly, the US mission in Lebanon evacuated dozens of its personnel on Monday as tensions continue to escalate, with a US military buildup in the region raising fears of hostilities.

If the US were to attack Iran, Tehran's archfoe and US ally Israel is a likely target.