US authorizes non-emergency government personnel to leave Israel
- WGON

- Feb 27
- 2 min read

As tensions heat up in the Middle East, with US war ships and fighters massing in the region, the US State Department has authorized the departure of non-essential government personnel. An email from US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee went out Friday, saying that if staff want to leave, they "should do so TODAY."
"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. 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. Persons may wish to consider leaving Israel while commercial flights are available," the US Embassy in Jerusalem posted.
The State Department wrote further:
Reconsider Travel To:
"Israel due to terrorism and civil unrest
"West Bank due to terrorism and civil unrest"
Do Not Travel To:
"Gaza due to terrorism and armed conflict and within 11.3 km/7 miles of the Gaza Periphery
Northern Israel within 4 kilometers/2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders due to continued military presence and activity The Egyptian border within 2.4km/1.5 miles, except for the Taba crossing, which is open."
"Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel," the warning went on, "the West Bank, and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. The security environment is complex and can change quickly, and violence can occur in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza without warning. Increased regional tensions can cause airlines to cancel and/or curtail flights into and out of Israel."





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