Tensions in the Middle East reached a fever pitch as the U.S. issued an evacuation advisory for its citizens in Israel and dispatched the USS Gerald R. Ford, the Navy’s largest carrier, to patrol nearby waters.
The State Department’s Friday bulletin calls for non-essential embassy staff and families to vacate Israel over security perils linked to Iran. Ambassador Mike Huckabee emailed personnel: ‘Leave today if you choose to go,’ highlighting flight shortages from the rush and airline cancellations.
He advised flexibility—any seat leading toward the U.S.—while reassuring, ‘No panic necessary, but act swiftly if departing.’ The directive arrives amid widespread flight suspensions and civilian alerts.
Israeli outlet Channel 12 revealed the carrier’s Friday arrival, capping a U.S. airlift: 20 refueling aircraft landed Thursday, with four KC-46A Pegasus models confirmed earlier at Ben Gurion by the Broadcasting Authority.
Observers interpret the carrier’s presence, unannounced by the U.S. military, as bolstering deterrence against Iran, enabling long-range strikes with its air wing and support tankers. This buildup fortifies American-Israeli defenses in a powder-keg region.
The combined advisory and deployment signal U.S. readiness to safeguard personnel and project power. Americans abroad should stay vigilant, enroll in alert systems, and secure travel options promptly as uncertainties mount.