The US Department of State announced on X on 27/2 that it has authorized non-essential government personnel and their families to depart the US mission in Israel due to security risks.
In response to potential, unannounced security incidents, the US embassy in Israel noted it would continue to tighten or prohibit US government personnel and their families from visiting certain areas in Israel, Jerusalem's Old City, and the West Bank.
"Those affected should consider departing Israel while commercial flights remain available," the embassy added.
The US embassy in Israel did not specify the nature of these "security risks." This announcement signifies a voluntary departure for US personnel, not a mandatory evacuation like the one Washington implemented for the US embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, earlier this week.
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Passengers at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, 9/2024. *AFP*
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have recently escalated, with US President Donald Trump repeatedly warning of potential military action if nuclear program negotiations with Iran fail to yield an alternative agreement to the nuclear deal he withdrew from in 2018.
Washington has significantly deployed forces to the Middle East, including two carrier strike groups with at least 13 warships, over 60 fighter jets, and a large number of support and refueling aircraft. This represents an unprecedented level of US air and naval presence in the region in decades.
Iran has warned it would strike US bases in the Middle East, including those in Israel, in retaliation if Washington attacks Tehran.
The latest round of negotiations between the US and Iran concluded on 26/2 without a breakthrough. The risk of conflict has prompted some nations, such as Australia, to urge the voluntary evacuation of diplomats' and officials' family members from several Middle Eastern countries.
China's state news agency Xinhua reported today that the country has advised its citizens not to travel to Iran and urged those currently in the nation to evacuate as soon as possible.
By Nhu Tam (AFP, Reuters)
