The US Embassy in Jerusalem is urging non-emergency government personnel and family members to leave Israel while commercial flights are still available.
On February 27, 2026, the US Embassy in Jerusalem issued a notice confirming that the Department of State had authorized the evacuation due to safety risks.
The advice comes as tensions in the Middle East are on the rise, with potential of a strike on Iran by the US military and concerns that Israel could face retaliatory threats from its neighbor.
“In response to security incidents and without advance notice, the U.S. Embassy may 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,” said a statement by US Embassy Jerusalem.
The statement adds that the security situation in Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, is “unpredictable” and that security incidents, “including mortar and rocket fire and armed UAV intrusions and missiles, can take place without warning”.
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.
— U.S. Embassy Jerusalem (@usembassyjlm) February 27, 2026
In response to security incidents and without advance notice, the U.S.… pic.twitter.com/aWzX6Gk36x
According to the New York Times, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee emailed embassy staff during the morning on February 27, 2026, writing that if they wanted to leave “they should do so TODAY”.
Huckabee added that the US Embassy Jerusalem’s call for non-emergency staff to leave will lead to high demand for flights, urging them to prioritize finding a flight to “anyplace” outside Israel.
“There is no need to panic but for those desiring to leave, it’s important to make plans to depart sooner rather than later,” wrote Huckabee.
Talks between the US and Iran ended on February 26, 2026, without any deal being reached, despite Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claiming “good progress”.
The US is unhappy with Iran’s nuclear program ambitions and has threatened strikes if a resolution cannot be found.