State Department giving guidance to 25,000 people in Israel, Iran amid tensions
The State Department has been actively providing assistance to over 25,000 individuals in Israel, the West Bank, and Iran who are seeking guidance on how to navigate the current situation and evacuate if necessary. This information was shared during a recent State Department briefing, where spokesperson Tammy Bruce mentioned that the government had offered support to these individuals.
However, specific details about the breakdown of these individuals, such as how many are American citizens, were not disclosed during the briefing. The State Department has also announced the establishment of a task force dedicated to aiding Americans who are looking to leave Israel or other Middle Eastern countries.
While the United States has expressed its willingness to assist American citizens in leaving Iran, it clarified that it will not be directly involved in transporting them out of the country. They must first find a way to exit Iran independently before they can receive government assistance.
United States Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has stated that the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem is actively coordinating evacuation flights and cruise ship departures for Americans trying to leave Israel. Despite this, the U.S. has not initiated a large-scale evacuation effort. However, the military did facilitate the transportation of some American diplomats and their families from the U.S. Embassy this week.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took matters into his own hands by dispatching four planes to pick up U.S. citizens stranded in Israel. These private flights began landing in Florida on Thursday to bring Americans back home. Additionally, other private options for leaving Israel are also available for those seeking to evacuate.
In response to the escalating conflict in the region, the State Department has raised its travel warning for Israel to the highest level. As the situation continues to unfold, efforts are being made to ensure the safety and well-being of American citizens in the affected areas.
