US tells non-emergency staff and families who want to leave Israel 'to do so TODAY'

The U.S. embassy in Jerusalem has authorized the departure of non-emergency staff and staff family members, citing "safety risks" ahead of the weekend.

Embassy staff who want to leave should "do so TODAY,” U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee said, the New York Times reported.

Huckabee sent an e-mail to the staff at around noon, urging them to book a flight "expeditiously out of the country," warning that the embassy's directive would likely result in a "high demand for airline seats today."

“There is no need to panic,” Huckabee wrote, “but for those desiring to leave, it’s important to make plans to depart sooner rather than later.”

The State Department said in a statement, "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," adding: "Persons may wish to consider leaving Israel while commercial flights are available."