Diplomatic Evacuations Underway
The State Department has initiated the evacuation of nonessential diplomats and their families from the U.S. embassy in Israel due to escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee announced plans for evacuation flights and ships for private American citizens, following the departure of diplomats and their families.
Context and Response
The evacuations come amid a rejection by Iran's supreme leader of U.S. calls for surrender, highlighting the tension and potential for direct U.S. involvement in the conflict.
"Authorized departure" status allows nonessential staff and the families of all personnel to leave Israel at government expense, although the number of evacuees remains unspecified.