'Do so TODAY': Mike Huckabee urges US staff to leave Israel immediately as Iran tensions rise

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL: The US State Department on Friday, February 27, authorized nonessential personnel and family members at the US Embassy in Israel to leave the country, citing security concerns amid growing regional tensions.

In an email to staff, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee urged those who wished to depart to “do so TODAY.” The decision followed overnight discussions with Washington and came as fears mounted over a potential US strike on Iran.

The embassy shifted to an “authorized departure” status, a measure that allows personnel and dependents to leave at government expense when national interests or potential threats to life warrant precautionary action.

Mike Huckabee urges swift departure but says ‘no need to panic’

In the email, Huckabee said the decision was made out of “an abundance of caution” and with staff safety as the priority.

“Focus on getting a seat to anyplace from which you can then continue travel to DC, but the first priority will be getting expeditiously out of country,” he wrote, advising employees to secure seats on outbound flights from Ben-Gurion Airport to any available destination.

“There is no need to panic,” Huckabee added, “but for those desiring to leave, it’s important to make plans to depart sooner rather than later.”

According to reports, Huckabee cautioned that the embassy’s shift in posture would likely increase demand for airline seats. 

The embassy also said that in response to security incidents and without advance notice, it could further restrict travel for US government employees within Israel.

The State Department reiterated its advisory urging Americans to “reconsider travel” to Israel and the West Bank due to “civil unrest.”

It also warned US citizens not to travel to Gaza because of armed conflict, and to avoid northern Israel within 2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders due to continued military activity.

Travel within 1.5 miles of the Egyptian border, except for the Taba crossing, was also discouraged.

“Violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza... attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities,” the embassy said.

“The security environment is complex and can change quickly, and violence can occur in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza without warning,” it added.

Move follows Geneva talks as regional tensions rise

The authorization came one day after six hours of indirect talks between US and Iranian officials in Geneva ended without a breakthrough.

Iranian officials said negotiations would continue next week, while the White House declined to comment on the status of the discussions.

Iranian state media reported that Tehran remained committed to uranium enrichment and rejected proposals to transfer material abroad, while also resisting calls to expand negotiations to include its ballistic missile program and regional activities.

While the embassy’s advisory did not specifically reference Iran, it cited “increased regional tensions” that could disrupt commercial air travel in and out of Israel.

Multiple reports indicated that President Donald Trump was weighing options regarding Iran, including potential targeted military actions. The State Department’s decision to authorize departures underscored the heightened uncertainty amid ongoing diplomatic efforts.