Kamal Ghorui
The United States has authorised the departure of non-emergency government personnel and their family members from its mission in Israel, citing escalating safety risks amid a volatile security situation, the State Department announced on Friday.The move affects staff under the chief of mission authority and comes as tensions across Israel and the wider region continue to heighten, prompting Washington to reassess the safety of its personnel.
In its updated travel advisory, the State Department said the decision was taken due to increasing security incidents and the potential for sudden deterioration. It warned that the security environment in Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, remains unpredictable, with risks ranging from rocket and missile fire to armed drone intrusions and terrorist attacks.The embassy may impose additional movement restrictions on staff and their families at short notice.In a post on X, the US Embassy in Jerusalem said, “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. “It further added, “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.”Israel War Room, later quoting the embassy’s post, echoed the remarks as it said, “The U.S. State Department has authorized the departure of non-emergency personnel from Mission Israel due to security risks. This is a precautionary measure amid heightened regional tensions. Monitor updates and assess travel plans accordingly.”
What does the advisory say?
US citizens were urged to reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank due to terrorism and civil unrest, while Gaza remains under a “do not travel” advisory because of terrorism and ongoing armed conflict.The department also advised against travel within 4 kilometres of the Lebanese and Syrian borders and within 11.3 kilometres of the Gaza demarcation line, citing continued military activity and heightened risk.The security notice said:
- Terrorist groups and lone actors may carry out attacks with little or no warning, potentially targeting tourist sites, transport hubs, markets and government facilities.
- Rising regional tensions could disrupt or suspend commercial flights to and from Israel; those wishing to depart are advised to do so while flights remain available.
- US government employees face strict travel restrictions, including a ban on personal travel to Gaza and most parts of the West Bank, with special authorisation required for certain areas.
- The US government cannot provide routine or emergency consular services in Gaza, where border crossings remain closed and the security situation is considered extremely dangerous and volatile.
American citizens in the region have been advised to maintain heightened vigilance, avoid demonstrations and crowded areas, follow the instructions of local security officials, and enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates and facilitate assistance in an emergency.
