Key Takeaways
• US embassy operates evacuation flights from Tel Aviv to Athens amid Israel conflict, starting June 21, 2025.
• Over 7,900 Americans requested help evacuating Israel; government flights and sea routes are primary evacuation methods.
• Level 4 travel advisory issued for Israel due to armed conflict; Ben Gurion Airport and seaports remain closed.
American Evacuations from Israel: US Embassy Organizes Emergency Flights to Athens Amid Escalating Conflict
As violence and instability surge across Israel and the wider Middle East, the US embassy in Jerusalem has launched a large-scale operation to evacuate American citizens. With Ben Gurion International Airport closed and commercial flights halted, the embassy is focusing on government-chartered evacuation flights, especially to Athens, Greece 🇬🇷. The situation is urgent, with thousands of Americans seeking help to leave the region as of June 23, 2025.
Who is being evacuated?
American citizens and their immediate family members are the main focus. The embassy is also helping dual nationals, tourists, students, and Jewish youth groups visiting Israel on organized tours. Over 7,900 Americans have asked for evacuation assistance from Israel, and more than 1,000 have requested help leaving Iran, where the United States 🇺🇸 has no diplomatic presence.
What is happening?
The US embassy is running multiple evacuation flights from Tel Aviv to Athens, with additional flights planned for Rome and Cyprus. On June 21, 2025, two government flights carried about 67 to 70 Americans each to Athens. Up to six more flights to Athens are scheduled for June 23, 2025. A cruise ship carrying over 1,000 Americans, including hundreds of Jewish youths, recently arrived safely in Cyprus.
Where are the flights going?
Athens is the main destination for evacuation flights. The embassy chose Athens because it is a safe, accessible hub with good onward travel options. Some flights are also planned for Rome and Cyprus. Overland routes to Jordan and Egypt are being used by some, and sea evacuations to Cyprus have already taken place.
When are the evacuations taking place?
Evacuation flights began on June 21, 2025, and more are planned for June 23 and the following days. The embassy is working quickly to reschedule any canceled flights and add new ones as needed.
Why are evacuations needed?
The conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated, with US military actions increasing tensions. The US State Department has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Israel, warning Americans not to travel there due to armed conflict, terrorism, and civil unrest. With Ben Gurion Airport and seaports closed, commercial evacuation is not possible, making government-organized flights and other routes the only options.
How are evacuations being managed?
The US embassy in Jerusalem is leading the effort, working with the US State Department, private groups, and state officials like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The embassy provides emergency passport services, shares security updates, and gives step-by-step instructions for Americans needing to leave.
Key Developments: Evacuation Flights and Alternative Routes
Flights to Athens: The Main Lifeline
The US embassy has prioritized evacuation flights to Athens, with up to six flights scheduled for June 23, 2025. Each flight carries dozens of Americans and their families. Athens was chosen because it is a safe European city with strong US diplomatic support and many onward travel options.
Other Destinations: Rome and Cyprus
Besides Athens, the embassy is planning chartered flights to Rome and Cyprus. A recent cruise ship evacuation brought over 1,000 Americans, including many young visitors, to Cyprus. Overland routes to Jordan and Egypt are also being used, especially by those who cannot get on flights.
Ben Gurion Airport Closure
The closure of Ben Gurion International Airport has forced the embassy to use government-chartered flights and sea routes. No commercial or charter flights are operating from the airport, and seaports are also closed.
Step-by-Step: What Americans in Israel Should Do
The embassy has shared clear steps for Americans needing evacuation:
- Register with the US Embassy
All Americans in Israel should register with the embassy to receive updates and instructions. This helps the embassy know who needs help and where they are. -
Get Emergency Passport Services
If you do not have a valid US passport, the embassy offers emergency passport services. These are available on a walk-in basis during weekdays. Arrive early, as lines can be long. -
Use Available Evacuation Options
Take the first available departure, even if it is not your preferred destination. Options include:- Government-chartered flights to Athens, Rome, or Cyprus
- Overland travel to Jordan or Egypt
- Sea evacuations to Cyprus
- Follow Embassy Instructions
Shelter in place as directed until you are told it is safe to travel. The embassy will contact you when a seat is available. -
Be Ready to Leave Quickly
The security situation can change fast. Have your bags packed and documents ready so you can leave on short notice.
Current Policy and Security Situation
Level 4 Travel Advisory
The US State Department has issued its highest travel warning for Israel. Americans are told not to travel there due to the risk of armed conflict, terrorism, and civil unrest. This advisory is available on the US State Department’s travel website.
Embassy Operations
The US embassy in Jerusalem is closed on weekends but offers limited consular services during the week. Emergency passport services are available for those without valid documents. The embassy has told all US government employees and their families to shelter in place near their homes.
Regional Drawdown
Non-essential staff at the US embassy in Baghdad and the consulate in Erbil, Iraq, are also being evacuated. This is part of a wider effort to reduce the number of Americans in dangerous areas.
Numbers at a Glance
- 67-70 Americans evacuated on each of two flights to Athens on June 21, 2025
- Up to six flights to Athens planned for June 23, 2025
- Over 7,900 Americans have requested evacuation from Israel
- More than 1,000 Americans have asked for help leaving Iran
- Over 200 Americans have entered Azerbaijan from Iran by land since the conflict began
- 1,000+ Americans evacuated by cruise ship to Cyprus, including hundreds of Jewish youths
Stakeholders: Who is Involved?
US Embassy in Jerusalem
The embassy is the main organizer of evacuation flights and emergency services. It works closely with the US State Department and other US embassies in the region.
US State Department
The State Department manages travel advisories, coordinates with foreign governments, and oversees the logistics of evacuation.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
Governor DeSantis has helped organize charter flights for Americans leaving the Middle East, showing that state officials are also involved.
Private Organizations
Groups like Birthright Israel have helped evacuate Americans, especially young people on organized tours.
President Donald Trump
President Trump authorized airstrikes on Iran, which increased tensions and made evacuations more urgent.
Real-Life Impact: Stories and Frustrations
Many Americans in Israel have shared their worries and frustrations. Some, like Warren Cohen, have called for more evacuation flights and faster action from the US government. With an estimated 700,000 Americans in Israel, the scale of the operation is huge. The closure of airports and seaports makes it even harder to get people out quickly.
Private organizations and state officials have stepped in to help, showing that evacuation is not just a federal government job. The involvement of groups like Birthright Israel and state leaders highlights the teamwork needed in a crisis.
Background: Why is This Happening?
The current crisis began with rising tensions between Israel and Iran. US military actions, including airstrikes authorized by President Trump, have made the situation even more dangerous. Since mid-June 2025, the US embassy in Jerusalem has issued several security alerts, warning Americans to stay safe and prepare to leave.
The US has a long history of diplomatic presence in Israel, with many American citizens, dual nationals, and tourists living or traveling there. The embassy’s evacuation efforts are part of a larger regional drawdown, including staff reductions in Iraq.
Practical Advice for Americans in Israel
Take the First Available Option
Because flights and routes are limited, Americans are urged to accept the first evacuation option offered, even if it is not their preferred destination.
Prepare Documents and Bags
Have your passport, travel documents, and a packed bag ready at all times. The embassy may call you with little warning.
Stay Informed
Register with the embassy and check their security alerts and updates regularly.
Use Emergency Passport Services
If your US passport is lost or expired, go to the embassy or consulate as early as possible for emergency services. No appointment is needed, but lines can be long.
Follow Official Instructions
Do not try to travel unless the embassy says it is safe. Conditions can change quickly, and moving without guidance can be dangerous.
Policy Implications: What Does This Mean for the Future?
Limited Commercial Options
With Ben Gurion Airport and seaports closed, Americans must rely on government-organized flights, overland routes, or sea evacuations. This limits choices and makes planning harder.
Increased Government Support
The US government may need to offer more flights and support for overland and sea evacuations if the crisis continues.
Changing Embassy Operations
The embassy may adjust its hours, services, or security measures as the situation changes. Americans should expect possible delays or changes in how services are provided.
Regional Instability
The conflict between Israel and Iran, along with US military involvement, means the situation could get worse before it gets better. Americans in the region should be ready for more changes and possible new restrictions.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?
More Evacuation Flights
The embassy plans to continue evacuation flights to Athens and other destinations as long as needed. Americans should stay in touch with the embassy and be ready to leave quickly.
Possible New Routes
If airport closures continue, the US may increase support for overland and sea evacuations.
Ongoing Security Risks
The region remains unstable, and further violence or travel restrictions are possible. Americans should follow embassy updates closely.
Continued Teamwork
Federal, state, and private groups will keep working together to help Americans leave safely.
Official Resources and Contacts
- US Embassy Jerusalem Security Alerts: il.usembassy.gov
- US State Department Travel Advisories: travel.state.gov
- Emergency Passport Services: Available at US Embassy Jerusalem and Tel Aviv consular sections (walk-in, no appointment needed, early arrival recommended)
For the latest updates, Americans should check the embassy’s website and register for alerts.
Conclusion: What Should Americans Do Now?
The US embassy in Jerusalem is working around the clock to help Americans leave Israel safely. With commercial flights grounded and the security situation changing quickly, government-chartered evacuation flights—especially to Athens—are the main way out. Americans should register with the embassy, use emergency passport services if needed, and be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the embassy’s efforts show the importance of quick action and teamwork during a crisis. Americans in Israel should stay informed, follow official instructions, and take the first available opportunity to leave. The situation remains fluid, but with careful planning and support, Americans can get to safety.
For more information and the latest updates, visit the US State Department’s travel advisory page. Stay safe, stay prepared, and follow embassy guidance as the situation develops.
Learn Today
US Embassy → American diplomatic mission in Israel managing evacuations and consular services during crises.
Ben Gurion Airport → Israel’s main international airport, currently closed due to conflict, halting commercial flights.
Level 4 Travel Advisory → Highest US State Department warning advising against travel because of severe danger.
Government-Chartered Flights → Flights organized by authorities to evacuate citizens when commercial travel is unavailable.
Emergency Passport Services → Urgent passport issuance by the embassy for travelers without valid US passports.
This Article in a Nutshell
The US embassy is urgently evacuating Americans from Israel due to escalating conflict, using government flights to Athens and alternative routes. With airports closed, rapid action and registration with the embassy remain crucial for safety and timely departure amid ongoing instability in the region.
— By VisaVerge.com
