Mike Huckabee, the US Ambassador to Israel, has issued a detailed advisory for American citizens in Israel, warning that departure options remain “very limited” due to the ongoing security situation.
In a post on X and a subsequent security alert, Huckabee said the most viable option currently is to use shuttle buses operated by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism to the Taba border crossing into Egypt. From there, travellers may attempt to secure flights from Taba or continue onward to Cairo for broader international connections, including routes to the United States.
The advisory comes amid uncertainty over when Ben Gurion Airport will resume normal operations. Huckabee stated that even if the airport reopens soon, flights are expected to be extremely limited and likely prioritised for passengers already holding tickets with El Al. Other international airlines are not expected to resume services immediately.
The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem confirmed that all American government personnel and their families are sheltering in place until further notice. The embassy said it is not currently able to evacuate or directly assist private US citizens seeking to leave Israel and urged individuals to make their own security arrangements.
Huckabee advised against exiting via Jordan at this time, citing inconsistent flight availability and limited operating hours at the Allenby crossing. While the Southern (Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba) crossing into Jordan remains open with restricted hours, onward flights from Queen Alia International Airport are limited and subject to delays.
According to the embassy, the Taba land crossing into Egypt is operating around the clock. Some travellers may need to pay a visa fee, although US citizens remaining within the Sinai region are exempt. Officials cautioned that security conditions could shift without notice, potentially affecting border access.
The embassy also urged Americans to remain vigilant, know the location of the nearest shelter, and treat all “red alert” sirens as genuine threats due to the risk of rocket, missile or drone attacks. Citizens were encouraged to enrol in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates and facilitate emergency communication.
The embassy warned that the security situation remains complex and subject to rapid change.
