Israel Evacuations: US State Department & Americans
- State Department has commenced assisted departure flights from Israel, according to U.S.
- The evacuation efforts began hours before reports surfaced that the U.S.
- citizen or Lawful Permanent resident currently in Israel or the West Bank and seeking U.S.
The U.S. State department is actively assisting American citizens seeking to depart Israel, beginning with assisted departure flights from Tel Aviv to Athens amid the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. These flights prioritize U.S. citizens, their families, and lawful permanent residents. With escalating tensions and increased strikes between the two nations, the State Department has also issued a Level 4 travel advisory, urging Americans to avoid travel to Israel. Americans are exploring various evacuation options, including alternative routes. For comprehensive updates, visit News Directory 3.Stay informed about evolving situations and potential impacts. Discover what’s next for Americans in the region.
US Begins Assisted Departure Flights from Israel Amid Conflict
Updated June 22,2025
The U.S. State Department has commenced assisted departure flights from Israel, according to U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.The initial flights departed from Tel Aviv to Athens on Saturday,carrying approximately 70 U.S. citizens, their immediate family members, and lawful permanent residents.
The evacuation efforts began hours before reports surfaced that the U.S. had launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The State Department urges other U.S. citizens in Israel needing assistance to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
“If you are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent resident currently in Israel or the West Bank and seeking U.S. government assistance to depart, please complete this form,” Huckabee stated, providing a link to the State DepartmentS crisis intake form.
The declaration follows earlier confusion regarding U.S. government assistance for Americans evacuating Israel. Just days prior, huckabee had indicated that the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem was aiding citizens with evacuation flights and cruise ship departures, a statement later contradicted by the State Department.
The U.S. Embassy afterward informed Americans enrolled in STEP that the State Department was “planning for contingencies” to assist with departures and requested interested individuals to complete an online form.
The State Department has also elevated its travel advisory for Israel to Level 4,advising Americans against travel to the region due to “armed conflict,terrorism,and civil unrest.” Ben Gurion International Airport remains closed, and several commercial airlines have suspended flights from Israel to the United States.
In the interim, Americans in Israel have sought alternative evacuation methods. Birthright Israel reported evacuating approximately 1,500 program participants via a cruise ship from Ashdod Port to Larnaca, Cyprus. Charter flights organized by non-profits and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis have also transported hundreds of Americans to the U.S.
Some Americans are opting to exit through the border with Jordan, traveling by car to Amman for flights to the United States.
Warren Cohen, an American on a business trip when the conflict erupted, expressed his belief that the U.S. should be doing more to assist citizens in returning home.
Escalating tensions between Iran and Israel have resulted in casualties on both sides. Strikes have reportedly killed at least 657 people in Iran, including 263 civilians, and 24 people in Israel. Recent strikes in northern Israel wounded 23 people, according to emergency services.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson confirmed that “several” U.S. citizens sustained minor injuries due to an Iranian missile strike, but provided no further details due to privacy concerns.
What’s next
The U.S. State department will likely continue to monitor the situation in Israel and adjust its travel advisories and assistance programs as needed. Further assisted departure flights are expected, and Americans in the region are encouraged to register with STEP for updates and assistance.