US tells citizens to leave Israel now as Middle East conflict widens

Published: March 3, 2026 . The English Chronicle Desk . The English Chronicle Online

The United States government has issued a stark and unprecedented advisory urging its citizens in Israel — as well as in more than a dozen other Middle Eastern countries — to leave immediately amid rapidly expanding violence and rising safety threats across the region. The move reflects growing concern in Washington over the spill‑over effects of the widening conflict involving U.S. and Israeli military action against Iran and retaliatory strikes by Iranian‑aligned forces across neighbouring states.

On March 2, the U.S. State Department, through its Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs, Mora Namdar, posted on the social platform X that American citizens in Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan and other Middle Eastern nations should “DEPART NOW” using any available commercial transportation due to serious safety risks. The advisory urges Americans to leave while flights remain available and not to delay departure efforts.

The expanded departure recommendation covers 14 Middle Eastern countries — including Israel, the West Bank, Gaza, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Yemen and others — and marks one of the broadest U.S. safety directives in the region in years. State Department officials said the situation has “significant security risks” owing to unpredictable violence and the potential for further escalation.

This latest advisory comes amid an intense phase of conflict that has seen U.S.‑Israeli strikes against Iranian targets and dramatic retaliatory attacks by Iranian forces and allied militias. Iranian rocket and drone strikes have hit U.S. bases and diplomatic missions, and recent strikes impacted the U.S. Embassy compound in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Iran has also expanded missile and drone attacks across several Gulf states and threatened major maritime trade routes.

In response, airlines have cancelled or severely reduced flights across the region, complicating efforts to leave. Some commercial departures are still reported from key hubs such as the United Arab Emirates and Egypt as demand surges, but travellers face logistical hurdles as airspace restrictions and security concerns persist.

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem had previously authorised the voluntary departure of non‑essential embassy staff and their families, urging those who wish to leave to do so without delay, citing an “abundance of caution” amid uncertainties related to potential military operations against Iran.

The advisory has significant implications for hundreds of thousands of U.S. citizens living, working or travelling in the Middle East. It has also triggered similar warnings from other Western governments, and international travel advisories now reflect heightened risk assessments for the entire region as violence continues to spread.

The U.S. Department of State continues to monitor the situation and provide support to citizens seeking to depart. Americans abroad are encouraged to enrol in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real‑time updates and assistance, and to follow all guidance issued by local U.S. diplomatic missions.

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