U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has advised American embassy staff to depart the country if they wish to do so, with a recommendation to leave “today,” according to multiple reports emerging Friday.
The directive, relayed to staff on February 27, 2026, comes amid heightened tensions and stalled negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program, and follows an updated U.S. Travel advisory recommending departure from Israel. The State Department has not publicly specified the nature of the threat prompting the guidance, but the urgency of the message suggests a perceived escalation in regional risk.
“If you want to leave Israel, do so TODAY,” Huckabee reportedly told embassy personnel, as reported by The Times of Israel and the New York Post. The New York Times reported that the U.S. Has authorized departure for staff and urged speed in doing so.
The Jerusalem Post reported that the U.S. Updated its travel advisory for Israel, recommending departure. The advisory change suggests a shift in the U.S. Assessment of the security situation, though specific details regarding the rationale remain unreleased.
The timing of the guidance coincides with a standstill in talks concerning Iran, raising speculation about potential military action. While U.S. Officials have not confirmed any imminent strikes, the rapid sequence of events – the updated travel advisory, the authorization for staff departure, and Huckabee’s direct message – indicates a heightened level of concern within the administration.
As of Friday afternoon, the State Department has not issued a public statement elaborating on the reasons for the departure recommendation, nor has it specified any planned response to the stalled Iran negotiations. The White House has remained silent on the matter.
