The United States Department of State has authorized the departure of non-emergency government personnel and their family members from Israel, citing escalating safety concerns and an unpredictable security environment across the region .
In a urgent advisory issued on February 27, 2026, the State Department warned that security incidents could lead to immediate travel restrictions for US personnel in multiple areas, including the Old City of Jerusalem and the West Bank. American citizens currently in Israel are being urged to consider leaving while commercial flights remain available, as regional tensions threaten to disrupt air travel .
What Does the New Travel Advisory Say?
The updated US Israel travel warning significantly expands restricted zones and raises alert levels for American citizens. The advisory now urges travelers to reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank due to ongoing terrorism and civil unrest threats .
Areas under "Do Not Travel" orders include:
- The Gaza Strip – due to terrorism and armed conflict
- Areas within 11.3 kilometres of the Gaza border
- Zones within 4 kilometres of the Lebanese and Syrian borders in northern Israel
- Areas within 2.4 kilometres of the Egyptian border (except the Taba crossing)
"The security environment is complex and can change quickly, and violence can occur in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza without warning," the embassy statement warned .
Urgent Departure Message from US Ambassador
In an extraordinary move, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee sent a direct message to embassy personnel urging immediate departure. "If you intend to leave, you should do so today," Huckabee wrote in an email to staff, according to multiple media reports .
The ambassador emphasized that the decision came after overnight consultations with the State Department, describing the move as stemming from "abundant caution" with personnel safety as the primary priority. He advised staff to book whatever flights were available immediately, with plans to arrange onward travel to Washington later .
Why This Matters Now
This escalation comes amid heightened Israel Gaza tensions and as the region enters a particularly sensitive period. Israeli authorities have already raised security alerts in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem as Palestinians observe Ramadan, with thousands of security personnel deployed around flashpoints including the Old City and Al-Aqsa Mosque compound .
The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, which partially reopened on February 2 under a US-brokered ceasefire, remains under tight restrictions. Gaza health authorities report that over 20,000 patients requiring urgent medical treatment abroad face dangerous delays, highlighting the broader humanitarian crisis .
Practical Guidance for American Citizens
The State Department warns that terrorist groups and lone actors may attack with little or no warning, potentially targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, and government facilities .
US citizens in Israel are advised to:
- Maintain heightened vigilance and avoid demonstrations and crowded areas
- Follow instructions from local security officials
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time updates
- Note that the US government cannot provide routine or emergency consular services in Gaza
The embassy stressed that increased regional tensions could cause airlines to cancel or curtail flights into and out of Israel with little notice .
Looking Ahead
With the security situation remaining volatile and risks including rocket fire, armed drone intrusions, and potential terrorist attacks, the US government has made clear that further movement restrictions for personnel may be imposed without advance notice . For American citizens in Israel, the message is unambiguous: depart now while commercial options remain available.
