Beginning last Sunday, AlertsUSA subscribers were informed that the State Department had approved the departure of non-emergency USGOV employees and family from Israel. The move follows Israel's launch of airstrikes on Iran, of airstrikes on Iran, which prompted multiple waves of retaliatory missile and drone attacks from Iran.
On Monday, AlertsUSA subscribers were notified of a new State Department travel advisory cautioning against all travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza due to armed conflict, terrorism, and civil unrest.
The parallel embassy security alert stated:
"The U.S. 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 intrusions, often take place without any warning. The security environment is complex and can change quickly."
By week's end, the State Department's messaging became increasingly urgent. On Friday, a new advisory was issued providing departure guidance, stating that while contingency plans are ongoing to assist private U.S. citizens in evacuating from Israel, they should not wait for U.S. government support and to leave on their own if possible. While Ben-Gurion International Airport is closed, land crossings into Jordan and Egypt are still possible.
U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee had announced on the X platform that the embassy was organizing evacuation flights and cruise ships for Americans citizens wishing to leave Israel. However, the State Department later clarified that it had "no announcement about assisting private U.S. citizens to depart at this time" following the closure the airport and all Israeli seaports.
Also on Friday, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce emphasized the seriousness of the global threat environment, urging all U.S. citizens traveling abroad to register with the department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
Here is that announcement:
The Trump administration is preparing for a major upcoming event. To bolster safety and preparedness, it is urging Americans overseas to enroll in the STEP program. This initiative keeps travelers informed and security-conscious while allowing the government to better track the number and locations of U.S. citizens abroad. For instance, while authorities may know you arrived in Berlin, your subsequent travels across Europe will be unknown without STEP registration. Enrollment enables a more effective response to significant crises at home or abroad, such as renewed terrorist attacks or the outbreak of war.
AlertsUSA continues to monitor the national and international threat environment and will immediately notify service subscribers of any new alerts, warnings, or advisories that impact the overall threat picture for American citizens as events warrant. |
