Facing ‘security risks,’ US encourages ‘non-essential’ government employees to leave Israel

The geopolitical situation is tensing in the Middle East, against a backdrop of tensions between the United States and Iran. Established in Jerusalem, the American Embassy in Israel updated its travel advice this Friday. On its website, it says the US State Department is now allowing “non-essential” government employees and their family members to leave the country due to “security risks”.

Affected personnel are asked to “consider leaving Israel while commercial flights are available.” According to the New York Times, the ambassador, Mike Huckabee, urged those who wanted to leave to “do so TODAY”.

At the same time, the American embassy is calling on its nationals to reconsider any travel to Israel and the West Bank and not to travel to Gaza, northern Israel and the Egyptian border. Restrictions are to be expected in the event of a deterioration of the situation.

« Vigilance »

“The risk has increased in some areas,” the embassy said, adding that “terrorist groups, lone terrorists and other violent extremists continue to plan possible attacks in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.”

He added: “The security situation in Israel, particularly in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, is unpredictable, and U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security vigilance, as security incidents, including mortar and rocket attacks, armed drone intrusions and missiles, can occur without warning.”

“Due to the security situation in Iran and its possible repercussions”, France advises its nationals against traveling “to Israel, Jerusalem and the West Bank, including for tourist and family visits”, in a message published on France Diplomatie this Friday. Germany also “urgently” advised against travel to Israel for its nationals.

As Agence France-Presse (AFP) recalls, these announcements come the day after a third session of talks in Geneva under Omani mediation between Iran and the United States, seen as one of the last chances to avoid a war, after the largest American military deployment in the Middle East in decades.

Washington notably dispatched two aircraft carriers to the region, including the Gerald Ford, the largest in the world, expected off the coast of Israel after leaving Crete on Thursday. Marco Rubio, the American Secretary of State, will travel to Israel on Monday for discussions focused on Iran.

Another sign that the situation is becoming tense, the United Kingdom moved certain members of its staff out of Tel Aviv this Friday.