U.S. Begins Voluntary Evacuation of Citizens From Israel Amid Escalating Conflict With Iran

By: Fern Sidman

In a decisive response to the escalating hostilities between Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the United States has initiated voluntary evacuation measures for American citizens currently in Israel. The move follows intensifying missile attacks and covert operations between the two regional adversaries, which have prompted a sharp uptick in security concerns across the Middle East.

As The Jewish News Syndicate (JNS) reported on Thursday, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee issued an “urgent notice” Wednesday on social media, signaling the beginning of organized evacuation efforts. “American citizens wanting to leave Israel, the U.S. Embassy in Israel is working on evacuation flights and cruise ship departures,” Huckabee posted, urging U.S. nationals to immediately enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

The evacuation initiative reflects growing unease in Washington over the rapid escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict. On Tuesday, the State Department announced the formation of a 24-hour Middle East task force charged with coordinating support for U.S. citizens, diplomatic missions, and personnel caught in the crossfire.

Tammy Bruce, spokeswoman for the State Department, confirmed the task force’s mandate includes disseminating timely information, security updates, and travel advisories. Yet, as the JNS report noted, details regarding the mechanics of the evacuation process remain elusive. The administration has not disclosed how many American citizens have requested assistance, nor has it clarified whether U.S. government assets such as military transport planes or chartered vessels are actively engaged in departure operations.

“We understand the urgency and gravity of this moment,” Bruce stated during Tuesday’s press briefing. “Our commitment is to the safety and security of Americans around the world.” She emphasized that the Department had not been caught off guard by the pace of developments in Israel, insisting that contingency plans are always in place for such crises.

“The Department of State is always planning for contingencies to assist private U.S. citizens’ departure from crisis areas,” she said, “and we will alert the U.S. citizenry community if and when there is additional information to share regarding their options during any crisis, but certainly this one as well.”

As the JNS report highlighted, much of the urgency stems from Israel’s increasingly aggressive operations against Iran’s political and military infrastructure. According to senior intelligence officials cited by the outlet, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have accelerated targeted strikes on Iranian Revolutionary Guard outposts and proxy networks in Syria, Lebanon, and within Iranian territory itself.

While President Donald Trump has yet to formally commit U.S. forces to direct engagement, he hinted on both Tuesday and Wednesday that Washington may become more actively involved in the conflict. This possibility has only heightened concern for the roughly 200,000 American citizens believed to be residing in or visiting Israel, including students, business travelers, dual nationals, and tourists.

In Congress, bipartisan pressure is mounting for a comprehensive evacuation plan. As JNS reported, Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Wesley Bell (D-Mo.), along with 43 other House members, addressed a strongly worded letter to President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding a clear strategy to ensure the safety of Americans in Israel.

“Americans in Israel are depending on our government for guidance and a pathway to safety,” the letter stated. “We understand the obstacles posed by the current security situation and the closure of Israel’s airspace. Therefore, all available options, including evacuations by land routes and sea, must be explored.”

The lawmakers further noted that their constituents were being funneled toward the STEP program without a parallel communication of actionable next steps. “We trust that you will honor your responsibility to protect the American people, no matter where they are in the world,” the signatories concluded, requesting a full response by Thursday.

According to the information provided in the JNS report. there is growing criticism from citizen advocacy groups and think tanks that the federal response has thus far lacked transparency. “The administration must do more than suggest enrollment in a website,” one former senior U.S. consular officer told JNS. “These are real families in harm’s way, with flight routes blocked and ground options severely limited. We need to see plans and execution.”

The deteriorating security environment has prompted other Western nations—including Canada, France, and Germany—to issue explicit advisories urging their citizens to leave Israel. Some have begun chartering flights via Jordan or Cyprus. The United States, with its significant logistical capacity and diplomatic footprint in the region, is expected to follow suit with more concrete measures.

As the situation continues to evolve, JNS has confirmed that embassy officials in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are coordinating closely with Israeli security agencies and international partners to map out viable evacuation corridors. However, maritime routes remain complicated by the threat of Iranian-aligned naval forces in the Mediterranean and Red Seas.

For now, American citizens in Israel are urged to remain alert, avoid large gatherings, monitor State Department communications, and prepare travel documents in case of immediate departure.

Despite the chaos, Ambassador Huckabee remained optimistic. “Israel is standing firm, and so are we,” he posted late Wednesday. “Our priority is your safety. We will get you home.”