Tel Aviv: Amid escalating tensions with Iran, the United States on Friday, February 27, authorized the departure of non-emergency embassy staff from Israel. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem also issued a related travel advisory.
“On February 27, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government personnel and their family members to leave Mission Israel due to safety concerns,” the embassy stated.
The statement also noted that, because of security concerns, U.S. government employees and their families would be restricted from traveling to certain parts of Israel.
On February 27, 2026, the U.S. Department of State approved the departure of non-essential government personnel and their families from Mission Israel, citing safety concerns.
The U.S. Embassy stated that, due to security incidents and without prior notice, it may further limit or prohibit travel by U.S. government employees and their families to certain areas of Israel, including the Old City of Jerusalem and the West Bank. It also advised that individuals consider leaving Israel while commercial flights remain available.
The embassy also advised that U.S. citizens planning to travel to Israel, the West Bank, or Gaza check the latest travel alerts on its website. “Maintain a high level of awareness and exercise caution at all times, particularly at checkpoints and areas with a strong security presence,” the embassy added.
The advisory comes amid a stalemate in U.S.–Iran nuclear talks, with Washington reportedly considering potential military options against Tehran. The U.S. is bolstering its military presence in the Middle East following large-scale protests in Iran against the regime of Ayatollah Khamenei over the past two months.
U.S.–Iran Nuclear Talks:
On Thursday, February 26, the two countries concluded another round of indirect talks in Geneva aimed at reaching an agreement on Iran’s nuclear program and preventing escalation into conflict.
U.S. President Donald Trump has pushed for a deal to limit Iran’s nuclear activities. Iran, while seeking to avoid war with the U.S., continues to assert its right to uranium enrichment. Tehran has also expressed reluctance to discuss sensitive issues such as its long-range missile program or support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
