As the situation in Israel continued to escalate following the start of Operation Roaring Lion on Saturday, the US embassy in Jerusalem issued urgent guidance for American citizens in Israel.
A recent State Department release said the US is taking steps to assist those who want to depart the Middle East and return to the United States, including through commercial or other transportation arrangements.
However, at this stage, the US Embassy in Jerusalem has made clear it cannot conduct its own direct evacuation flights out of Israel or actively transport citizens home. Officials noted that Ben-Gurion Airport remains closed and there are very limited options inside the country.
The State Department sharply raised its travel warnings for countries across the Middle East, including Israel, urging US citizens to depart “using available commercial transportation” immediately due to serious safety risks. The advisory covers Israel along with several neighboring states.
American citizens living or traveling abroad were also encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP allows the State Department to contact registered US citizens with emergency alerts and location‑specific updates.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee reiterated these points in a post on X, urging US citizens to register with STEP and consider alternate routes to leave the country, while noting that travel options remain constrained.
Practical departure routes
Commercial airline service out of Ben-Gurion Airport was affected by regional airspace closures, and while there are efforts to reopen the airport on Thursday, official guidance stated there’s no clear time frame for when normal operations will resume.
One of the key recommended pathways out of Israel remains overland to Egypt via the Taba border crossing. The ambassador pointed to bus and ground transportation options from major Israeli cities toward the Egyptian border, from where flights may be available. While not guaranteed, Egypt’s airports are still operating and are currently less affected by the Middle East airspace disruptions than nearby hubs.
Government officials have advised that travel through Jordan, particularly via the Allenby Crossing, is less reliable at this time, citing sporadic availability and logistical challenges.
Airspace over much of the Middle East remains intermittently restricted. Major airlines, previously linking Europe and Asia through the Gulf, have reduced or suspended flights, complicating direct departure plans from the region.
Where flights are still operational, passengers are being advised to check with airlines or travel agents about rebooking, date changes, or refunds due to cancellations.
The US Embassy in Jerusalem stated that it cannot currently provide passport services or emergency travel documents due to security conditions. US citizens should ensure their own passports are valid for departure and track embassy announcements for service updates.
Steps to take right now
Register with STEP to get real‑time alerts from the State Department.
Monitor airline notifications closely and contact carriers immediately if rebooking options arise.
Consider overland departure routes, especially via Egypt’s Taba crossing, as air travel remains disrupted.
Stay up to date with travel advisories from both the US State Department and local authorities.
In a volatile environment where airspace closures and limited flights are complicating travel, many US citizens are facing logistical challenges departing the region. Staying informed through embassy channels and planning for alternate routes will be essential for those seeking to leave Israel in the days ahead.