Jerusalem, Israel. The United States will permit non-emergency government personnel and family members to leave Israel due to safety risks, the US Embassy in Jerusalem said on Friday, amid concerns about a possible military conflict with Iran.
Authorized departure from Israel
The embassy did not elaborate on the safety risks behind the “authorized departure,” which allows affected personnel to decide whether to leave. It differs from the ordered departure instituted this week for some personnel at the US Embassy in Beirut.
Military posture and nuclear talks
The United States has expanded one of its largest military deployments in the Middle East while negotiating with Iran over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear programme. The latest round of talks ended on Thursday without signs of a breakthrough.
Regional threats and recent fighting
Iran has threatened to strike American bases in the region if it is attacked, and an escalation could also involve Israel. Iran and Israel fought a 12-day war in June.
Broader diplomatic withdrawals and travel advisories
Several countries have begun withdrawing dependents of diplomatic personnel and non-essential staff from some locations in the Middle East, or advising citizens to avoid travel to Iran, amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran.
How do you expect the latest US departure authorization to affect travel and diplomatic operations in the region?
