In a move laden with geopolitical weight, the United States has ordered non-essential personnel out of Israel while steaming its premier warship toward the Jewish state’s waters. The dual actions underscore mounting concerns over an Iran confrontation.
Friday’s State Department advisory targets embassy non-emergency workers and dependents, advising departure amid ‘safety risks.’ Ambassador Huckabee’s candid email urged staff: ‘Depart today if possible,’ noting skyrocketing demand for flights after airlines halted regional services and warned of civilian evacuations.
Prioritize exit over perfect itineraries, he counseled, aiming for paths back to Washington. ‘Plan now if you want to go—no delays,’ the ambassador wrote, tempering urgency with a call against alarm.
Simultaneously, the behemoth USS Gerald R. Ford anchored off Israel’s coast, as per Israeli media reports. No Pentagon confirmation yet, but the timing aligns with Thursday’s influx of 20 U.S. refueling planes, plus four KC-46A tankers at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport.
This military choreography—carrier plus extended-range refuelers—points to preparations for sustained operations, possibly preemptive strikes on Iranian targets. The Israeli Broadcasting Authority flagged the initial tanker arrivals, framing them within broader U.S. reinforcements.
As Washington bolsters its footprint, the advisory serves as both protective measure and subtle signal of resolve. Expats face disrupted travel; authorities recommend heeding warnings to avoid stranding in a potential hotspot.