JESURASELEM, Israel — The United States Embassy in Jerusalem has informed American citizens in Israel that it is currently unable to evacuate or directly assist them in leaving the country, urging individuals to make their own security and departure arrangements as regional hostilities intensify.
In a March 2 security alert, the embassy stated: “The US Embassy is not in a position at this time to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel.”
The advisory comes amid escalating missile exchanges linked to Iran, with air raid sirens reported in multiple Israeli cities and heightened security measures across the country.
Rather than announcing a government-led evacuation, the embassy provided logistical guidance for Americans seeking to exit via land crossings.
This included information about shuttle buses organised by Israel’s Ministry of Tourism to the Taba border crossing into Egypt, and onward routes through the Yitzhak Rabin crossing near Eilat into Jordan.
However, the embassy stressed that it could neither recommend nor guarantee the safety of these options.
“If you choose to avail yourself of this option to depart, the U.S. government cannot guarantee your safety,” the notice stated.
US government employees and their families have been ordered to shelter in place until further notice, reflecting the deteriorating security environment.
The embassy further cautioned: “The US Embassy reminds US citizens of the continued need for caution and increased personal security awareness, including knowing the location of the nearest shelter in the event of a red alert, as security incidents, such as mortar, rocket, and missile fire, and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) intrusions, often take place without any warning.”
Americans were urged to follow guidance issued by Israel’s Home Front Command and to monitor real-time alert applications for incoming fire.
While the language of the advisory is notably stark, US diplomatic missions have previously faced situations where immediate evacuation of private citizens was not feasible.
During the 2021 Taliban takeover of Kabul, the United States Embassy Kabul was forced into a rapid evacuation as security collapsed. Although thousands were airlifted in a large-scale military operation, many Americans struggled to reach the airport amid chaos.
Similarly, during the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Washington chartered ships and aircraft to evacuate citizens from Lebanon after fighting escalated.
More recently, in Sudan in 2023, the United States Embassy Khartoum evacuated diplomatic personnel but did not initially organise a broad evacuation for private citizens, instead advising them to shelter in place or depart independently where possible.
Security analysts note that the US government maintains a long-standing position that private citizens overseas are ultimately responsible for their own travel arrangements, and that evacuation operations are not guaranteed in every crisis.
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The current advisory reflects a rapidly shifting security landscape. Border crossings can close without notice, the embassy warned, and missile or drone attacks may occur without advance warning.
The embassy listed shuttle pick-up points in Herzliya, Haifa, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, and provided information about limited flight operations from Egypt’s Taba and Sharm el-Sheikh airports, as well as departures from Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan.
Despite circulating these options, the embassy reiterated: “The US Embassy cannot make any recommendation (for or against) the Ministry of Tourism’s shuttle. If you choose to avail yourself of this option to depart, the US government cannot guarantee your safety.”
The phrasing underscores the gravity of the situation. With missile alerts sounding intermittently across Israel and diplomatic tensions rising, Washington’s message is unequivocal: Americans must be prepared to assess risks and coordinate their own exit plans.
Whether the United States will later mount a formal evacuation effort remains unclear. For now, US citizens in Israel have been told that departure, if they choose it, will require independent action.
