US Embassy in Israel restricts staff travel amid tension with Iran

Employees barred from traveling outside Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Beersheba until further notice, embassy says

By Mohammad Sio

ISTANBUL (AA) - The US Embassy in Israel on Thursday issued a security alert prohibiting its staff from traveling outside Greater Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Beersheba amid reports of a possible attack against Iran.

“Due to the increased regional tensions, US government employees and their family members are restricted from travel outside the greater Tel Aviv (including Herzliya, Netanya, and Even Yehuda), Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva areas until further notice,” the embassy said in a statement.

Travel between these three areas remains permitted, including access to and from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv and along Route 1, which connects Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to the Allenby Bridge crossing into Jordan, it added.

US media reports suggested that Israel was planning military action against Iran over its nuclear program.

On Wednesday, the US ordered the voluntary departure of nonessential employees and military families from some locations in the Middle East.

US President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that American personnel face evacuation because regional locations "could be a dangerous place."

Kaynak: