As Iran and Israel tensions escalate, President Trump issues warning
As the conflict with Israel and Iran escalates, President Trump warned Iran not to strike any U.S. targets.
WASHINGTON — The United States advised Americans not to travel to Israel after another wave of Iranian missile attacks struck the country and killed at least eight people.
The State Department had previously advised Americans to “reconsider travel” to Israel, the West Bank at level 3, and Gaza, but updated its guidance on June 16 following the authorized departure from the area of the family members of diplomats and some non-emergency U.S. government personnel.
Israel and the West Bank are now classified as level 4 or “do not travel” along with Gaza – the highest advisory level on the U.S. government’s scale and one that is associated with life-threatening risks. Americans who are already in countries that have a do not travel warning are advised by the State Department to leave as soon as it is safe to do so.
The updated guidance is a reflection of a deepening conflict between Israel and Iran that has threatened Middle East stability and the safety of Americans visiting the region. President Donald Trump last week ordered the evacuation of some American diplomats in Iraq.
Israel launched a bombing campaign against Tehran late last week to limit its nuclear enrichment capabilities. Iran has since returned fire on Israel, striking the heavily populated city of Tel Aviv and setting off air raid sirens in Jerusalem.
Throughout the conflict, airlines have temporarily suspended and restarted services to Tel Aviv as tension and hostilities in the region ebbed and flowed.
El Al, Israel’s national carrier, has been the only airline to consistently provide flights throughout the conflict. U.S. airlines that serve Israel have stopped and started flights, sometimes causing headaches for passengers if cancellations came close to departures.
Currently, no major U.S. airlines are serving Israel. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have travel waivers available for passengers with affected flights.
