Jerusalem, Israel. The United States State Department has authorised the departure of non-emergency government personnel and their family members from Mission Israel due to safety risks, the US Embassy in Jerusalem said on Friday.
Departure authorisation and travel restrictions
The embassy said it may further restrict or prohibit US government employees and their families from travelling to certain areas of Israel, the Old City of Jerusalem, and the West Bank in response to security incidents and without advance notice.
Civilians were also urged to consider leaving the country while commercial flights remain available.
The announcement did not specify the nature of the security incidents prompting the measures.
The embassy said the Department of State authorised the departure on February 27, 2026.
Regional context
The departure follows the February 26 conclusion of nuclear negotiations, which ended without a diplomatic breakthrough.
While mediators noted progress, the US maintains that Iran has not met demands regarding the dismantling of enrichment facilities.
The stalemate coincides with a significant US military buildup in the region, including two carrier strike groups and F-22 deployments, ahead of a mid-March deadline for a formal agreement.
Persistent internal unrest in Iran throughout early 2026 has increased regional instability.
Washington has signaled support for the protest movement while preparing for potential military contingencies against nuclear infrastructure.
In response, Iranian-aligned groups in Lebanon and Iraq have threatened retaliatory actions against US and Israeli assets, prompting this preventative drawdown of non-essential personnel.
How might the new travel restrictions affect your plans to visit Israel, the Old City of Jerusalem, or the West Bank?