by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 10:40 AM ET, Fri February 27, 2026
The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem issued a warning on February 27, 2026, urging non-emergency U.S. government personnel
and family members to leave Israel due to the growing threat of U.S. military strikes against Iran.
The warning goes hand in hand with the U.S. State Department’s upgrading Israel to a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory level. The State Department is discouraging travelers from visiting Israel, and those who are already there may wish to leave.
The U.S. State Department’s advisory noted, “Persons
may wish to consider leaving Israel while commercial flights are available.”
According to the announcement, the U.S. Embassy said, “In response to security incidents and without advance notice, the U.S. Embassy may further restrict or prohibit U.S. government employees and their family members from traveling to certain areas of
Israel, the Old City of Jerusalem, and the West Bank. Persons may wish to consider leaving Israel while commercial flights are available.”
It also says to reconsider traveling to Israel and the West Bank due to terrorism and civil unrest. There remains a Do Not Travel order for Gaza, due to the years-long war.
The Embassy also noted that “Increased regional tensions can cause airlines to cancel and/or curtail flights into and out of Israel.”
“The security situation in Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem is unpredictable, and U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket
fire and armed UAV intrusions and missiles, can take place without warning,” the Embassy warned.
According to BBC News, the reason comes from “heightened
concerns about the risk of war with Iran.”
Yesterday, on February 26, Washington and Tehran held talks hoping to avoid a conflict about Iran’s goals to create nuclear weapons, which the U.S. does not want.
BBC reported that U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told embassy staff on Friday that they should leave today if they wish to do so.
A few days ago, the U.S. government also ordered all non-essential staff to leave the embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, too.
The British news service also noted that Canada, India and China, among other countries, are urging their citizens to leave Iran.
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