CrossFireArabia
The US Embassy in Israel says it cannot evacuate or directly assist American citizens in leaving the occupation state. The announcement comes amid a regional war sparked by US-backed Israeli attacks on Iran.
“The U.S. Embassy is not in a position at this time to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel,” it said in a statement.
Despite US-Israeli coordination in launching the surprising attack on Iran, the Trump administration failed to issue advance warnings to American settlers in Israel reports the Quds News Network.
Citing security concerns, the US Embassy in the occupation state will remain closed on Monday. All US government employees and their families have been told to shelter in place until further notice.
The Israeli government has ordered airlines not to allow Israeli citizens inside the country to board rescue flights. These flights are only for Israelis currently abroad, reported The Marker.
Officials claim the move aims to prevent overcrowding and reduce the risk of mass casualties. But in practice, the policy means settlers and civilians still in Israel cannot leave, even as tensions with Iran escalate.
Last month, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said that 700,000 American citizens live in Israeli settlements across occupied Palestine. He was referring to settlers, who hold Israeli citizenship and serve in the Israeli military.
Critics argue that these settlers are being used as human shields. Entire communities, including women and children, are placed deep inside conflict zones. Their presence serves both as a military buffer and a justification for expansion.
In contrast to its silence in Israel, the US State Department issued a clear warning to citizens in Iran, urging them to leave immediately.
“U.S. citizens should not travel to Iran for any reason and should depart Iran immediately if you are there,” said the statement.
