Evacuation of US diplomats from Israel’s embassy initiated as tensions escalate with Iran

WASHINGTON — The State Department has initiated the evacuation of nonessential diplomats and their families from the U.S. embassy in Israel due to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. This decision comes amid concerns that the United States may be drawn into the conflict.

According to two U.S. officials, a government aircraft transported several diplomats and their family members who had requested to depart the country on Wednesday. This occurred shortly before U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, disclosed preparations for evacuation flights and vessels for American citizens.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to describe sensitive diplomatic movements.

“Given the ongoing situation and as part of the embassy’s authorized departure status, mission personnel have begun departing Israel through a variety of means,” the State Department said.

“Authorized departure” means that nonessential staff and the families of all personnel are eligible to leave at government expense.

There was no indication of how many diplomats and family members departed on the flight.