CALL TO EVACUATE: US Ambassador urges Americans to flee Israel by land

March 3, 2026

From Fox News: U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee urged Americans in Israel to evacuate the country by land into Egypt on Tuesday.

So far, the U.S. has urged Americans to evacuate 14 countries across the Middle East. It has also closed embassies in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

The Embassy in Jerusalem says it is not in a position to “directly assist” Americans seeking to leave the country, and Huckabee admitted there are “very limited options” for leaving.

Huckabee posted a detailed statement on X, explaining his advice and actions people should take. He wrote:

For Americans who are currently in Israel I want to share this thorough (but long) update on options for departing. There are VERY LIMITED options.

As of now, the best is utilizing Israel’s Ministry of Tourism shuttle bus to Taba, Egypt and getting flights from there or going on to Cairo for flights back to the US. I will give details of that option below.

We are getting a lot of requests regarding evacuating from Israel from American citizens who are currently in Israel or who have family here.

I do not recommend exit via Jordan at this time. Flights are not consistent and access across the Allenby crossing has limited hours.

All of our personnel from embassy are sheltering in place, but I realize you may need to get people out and back home and not continue to incur hotel costs. I’m adding what we are recommending for now. Not sure when Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv will reopen. Hopefully soon, but even when it does, there will be VERY limited flights with priorities to those who already were ticketed by El Al. Doubtful that other airlines will fly in/out for a while.

The Ministry of Tourism is operating buses to Taba. That crossing is further away but it’s open 24/7. There are some flights from Taba, but there are also options to get to Cairo and it’s operating normally except to Middle Eastern countries. To get out, it’s the best option for now. If not already enrolled in STEP program, do so as you will be emailed updated information from the embassy and State Department. A link to Step is at bottom of message. Praying your safe passage!

Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem (March 2, 2026) UPDATE on Ministry of Tourism Shuttles.
Location:  Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza
Event:  Security Alert

As a result of the current security situation throughout the region, the U.S. Embassy has directed that all U.S. government employees and their family members continue to shelter in place in and near their residences until further notice.

The U.S. Embassy is not in a position at this time to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel.
The following is provided for your information as you make your own security plans:

The Israeli Ministry of Tourism has begun operating shuttles to the Taba Border Crossing as of March 2. To be added to the passenger list for a shuttle, you must register via the Ministry’s evacuation form. The U.S. Embassy cannot make any recommendation (for or against) the Ministry of Tourism’s shuttle. The information is provided as a courtesy to those wishing to leave Israel.

Passengers who wish to cross to Jordan may take the shuttle to Eilat and continue independently (by taxi) to the Yitzhak Rabin Border Crossing.

Buses will be stationed at meeting points across the country, including

Herzliya: Train Station Parking Lot
Haifa: Yad HaShmona Train Station Parking Lot
Jerusalem: Teddy Stadium, East Parking Lot
Tel Aviv: Savidor Center Train Station Parking

The land crossing to Egypt at Taba was also operating and is scheduled to be open 24 hours a day. There is a visa fee for some travelers. U.S. citizens who are not exiting the Sinai region for other parts of Egypt do not have to pay the fee. Security conditions can change without warning, closing any border crossing.

How to Pay: It is highly recommended to pay in advance via the official website: https://borderpay.metropolinet.co.il/en/home-3/.

Note: The toll is valid only for the specific date of purchase and cannot be changed or refunded.

As of March 2, there were limited flight options from the airports in Taba and Sharm al-Sheikh, Egypt.

On March 2, the Southern (Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba) crossing into Jordan accepts the last passengers at 1900.

The Queen Alia International Airport is open on Monday, March 2. Flights with Royal Jordanian Airlines were available from Jordan on a limited basis. Please check with your airline and expect delays.

Before traveling to the border crossings, U.S. citizens should consult the Israel Home Front Command guidance. Please check the status of the land crossings here.
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The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for caution and increased personal security awareness – including knowing the location of the nearest shelter in the event of a red alert as security incidents, such as mortar, rocket, and missile fire, and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) intrusions, often take place without any warning. The security environment is complex and can change quickly.

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 (including the Old City of Jerusalem) and the West Bank.

U.S. citizens can find additional information regarding steps to take in case of mortar and rocket fire and hostile aircraft intrusion in the Country Information for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza:

Mortar and Rocket Fire or Hostile Aircraft Intrusion: In the event of mortar or rocket fire or Hostile Aircraft Intrusion, a “red alert” siren may be activated. Treat all such alerts as real.

Follow the instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately. Know the location of your closest shelter or protected space. U.S. government personnel and their family members may be restricted from traveling to areas affected by rocket activity, sirens, and/or the opening of bomb shelters. For additional information on appropriate action to take upon hearing a siren or explosion, see the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command website (available on devices within Israel) or view the Preparedness Information. U.S. citizens may also wish to download the free Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command application on Android or Apple devices to receive real-time security and safety alerts. Free commercial applications, such as Red Alert: Israel, are also available.

Actions to Take:

1. Refer to our website for the latest Security Alerts: https://il.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/security-and-travel-information/.

2. Be aware of your surroundings.

3. Learn the location of the nearest bomb shelter or other hardened shelter. Download the Home Front Command Red Alert application or similar apps for mobile devices (available on devices within Israel) to receive real time alerts for rocket and missile attacks and armed UAV intrusions.

4. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings.

5. Avoid all areas where there is a heavy police presence.

6. Monitor local media.

7. Follow the instructions of local authorities.

8. Enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency.

9. Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Advisories (including the Travel Advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza) and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Information for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. For additional information, refer to “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.

For American who are currently in Israel I want to share this thorough (but long) update on options for departing. There are VERY LIMITED options.

As of now, the best is utilizing Israel’s Ministry of Tourism shuttle bus to Taba, Egypt and getting flights from there or going…

— Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) March 3, 2026