Evacuation of Some U.S. Embassy Staff and Families from Israel by Military Aircraft

JH Kim

Summary

The U.S. government has begun evacuating some staff and families from its embassy in Israel using military aircraft and other means.
This measure was implemented in response to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran and the Voluntary Authorized Departure order, with the embassy temporarily closed.
The U.S. State Department has activated a 24-hour response task force to handle conflict-related tasks including support for U.S. citizens.

According to CNN on the 18th (local time), the U.S. government evacuated some staff and families of its embassy in Israel using U.S. military aircraft. This was in line with the 'Voluntary Authorized Departure' measure implemented over the past weekend, amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.

No order has been given for a complete evacuation of the embassy, and departure by diplomats and their families is optional, not mandatory. It is reported that some individuals left for Jordan by land in addition to those evacuated by military aircraft.

A spokesperson for the U.S. embassy stated, "In accordance with the current situation and the voluntary authorized departure measure, embassy staff have begun to leave Israel through various methods," and confirmed that the embassy is temporarily closed until the end of this week.

Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, said, "We are coordinating evacuation flights and cruise ship boardings for Americans wishing to leave Israel."

U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated the previous day, "The State Department is currently running a 24-hour response task force to handle duties related to the conflict, including support for U.S. citizens."