Mike Huckabee. (X Screenshot)
‘If any staffers or family members want to depart, they should do so TODAY,’ Huckabee wrote.
By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
The US Embassy in Israel has advised non-emergency personnel and their family members to leave the country immediately, citing rising regional security risks and concerns about a potential conflict with Iran, according to multiple media reports.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee sent an email to embassy staff on Friday morning urging those who wish to depart to do so right away, The New York Times reported, citing three people who verified the message.
The email was sent at 10:24 a.m. local time, according to the report.
“If any staffers or family members want to depart, they should do so TODAY,” Huckabee wrote, according to the Times.
He warned that the embassy’s guidance would “likely result in high demand for airline seats today” and instructed staff to focus on securing a seat to any destination from which onward travel to Washington could be arranged. “The first priority will be getting expeditiously out of country,” he wrote.
Huckabee sought to temper alarm, telling staff there was “no need to panic,” but emphasized that those considering departure should make plans “sooner rather than later.”
The advisory comes amid continued negotiations between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program, which have yet to produce a clear breakthrough.
At the same time, Washington has increased its military presence in the Middle East, while Iran has warned it would retaliate against US bases and regional allies, including Israel, in the event of a conflict.
The embassy’s guidance also advises US citizens to consider leaving Israel while commercial flights remain available, reflecting concern that conditions could deteriorate rapidly.
The New York Times reported that US officials said any military action currently under discussion would likely be limited, focusing on Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure.
The newspaper cited American officials who expressed doubt that Iran is prepared to finalize a deal, while saying targeted strikes are being viewed as a way to pressure Iranian leaders into concessions.
ABC News reported Thursday that Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, is preparing to brief President Donald Trump on potential military options involving Iran. According to the report, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Cain has also been involved in the briefing process, and a joint US-Israeli military operation against Iran remains under active consideration.
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