Khaberni - Today, Friday, the American Embassy in Israel urged its nationals to leave immediately, while China called on its citizens in Israel to enhance security precautions and prepare for emergencies.
The American Embassy in Israel informed its staff today that they may leave, and urged everyone considering departure to do so immediately amid increasing fears of an impending American strike on Iran.
U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee said in an email message that discussions with officials in Washington resulted in a decision allowing staff in Israel to leave if they choose to.
The Associated Press quoted a knowledgeable source that the message urged employees wanting to leave to act quickly and start booking any available flights out of Israel, then head to Washington.
Huckabee confirmed in his message the necessity of leaving today for those who wish to do so, noting that while some flights are available in the coming days, they may not be guaranteed, and emphasized that there was no need to panic.
The embassy also noted on its X account that on February 27th, the State Department authorized non-essential U.S. government employees and family members of U.S. government employees from the Israel mission to leave due to security risks.
The embassy explained that in response to security incidents, the U.S. Embassy may impose additional restrictions or prohibit U.S. government employees and their family members from traveling to certain areas in Israel, the Old City of Jerusalem, and the West Bank, so it is advised to leave Israel as long as commercial flights are available.
Chinese Warning
On its part, the Chinese Embassy in Israel today, Friday, urged its nationals residing there to enhance security precautions and prepare for emergencies, noting the "increasing security risks in the Middle East."
The embassy stated in a release that Chinese citizens residing in Israel should closely follow new developments and information from Israeli authorities. It added that nationals should avoid overseas travel unless necessary.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Chinese citizens in Iran are also required to enhance safety measures and leave as soon as possible.
The ministry added that in light of the current security situation in Iran, the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy and consulates in the country advise against traveling to Iran at this time.
It confirmed that Chinese embassies and consulates in Iran and neighboring countries would provide the necessary assistance to those wanting to leave the country, whether by commercial flights or by land.
Escalating Tension
The Middle East is under a cloud of tension due to rising fears of a military confrontation, prompting a number of countries to take emergency steps including the withdrawal of diplomats' families and non-essential personnel, and issuing strict travel warnings to Iran and other countries in the region.
The United States earlier decided to withdraw non-essential personnel and their family members from its embassy in Lebanon, concurrently with an increase in its military presence in the Middle East.
In the UK, the Foreign Office has advised its citizens not to travel to Iran at all, warning residents there, and also alerted its citizens in the UAE to the possibility of disturbances linked to rising regional tension.
Canada warned of the potential sudden escalation of tension and the possible resultant cancellation of flights or closure of airspace, while Germany urged its nationals to leave Iran, confirming the continuity of commercial flights and the possibility of departure by land.
In Finland, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommended avoiding travel to Iran and leaving Yemen and Libya immediately in a new update of travel advisories, while Australia asked the families of diplomats in Israel and Lebanon to leave.
Serbia urged its citizens to leave urgently, and Poland encouraged its nationals to depart without delay. Sweden advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Iran and to leave immediately, while India advised its nationals in Tehran to leave by any available means.
Cyprus issued similar instructions urging to avoid travel and immediate departure, while Singapore emphasized the necessity to continue postponing all trips to Iran. And, Brazil also urged its citizens last week to leave after a similar previous warning to its nationals in Lebanon.
