You’re on your own, US Embassy tells citizens in Israel
The United States Embassy in Jerusalem has advised American citizens in Israel to make personal security arrangements as tensions escalate following US and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliation across the Middle East.
In a statement issued Monday, the embassy said it is currently unable to assist Americans seeking to leave Israel. It also directed its staff and their families to remain close to their residences and identify nearby shelters.
“The US Embassy is not in a position at this time to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel,” the mission stated, warning that the security situation remains volatile and unpredictable.
The embassy urged Americans still in the country to exercise heightened caution and maintain strong personal security awareness. It noted that incidents such as rocket and missile fire, mortar attacks, and unmanned aircraft system intrusions can occur without warning.
It also indicated that additional movement restrictions may be imposed on US government employees as tensions rise. Such measures could limit or prohibit travel to certain areas, including Jerusalem’s Old City and parts of the West Bank.
Providing travel updates, the embassy said Israel’s Ministry of Tourism has begun operating shuttle services to select locations, including the Taba Border Crossing. Travellers intending to cross into Jordan may take a shuttle to Eilat and then proceed by taxi to the Yitzhak Rabin Border Crossing. Buses are available at designated points nationwide, including the Herzliya Train Station parking lot.
However, the embassy cautioned that it cannot guarantee the safety of the shuttle services and declined to recommend for or against their use.
Earlier, the US Department of State urged Americans to depart more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries, including Israel, citing serious safety risks linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
