The United States evacuates non-essential diplomats in Israel

Washington.- Amidst growing military tension between Israel and Iran, the United States government began the evacuation of non-essential diplomats and their families from its embassy in Jerusalem, a sign that the White House is considering increasingly delicate scenarios while President Donald Trump defines his course of action in the face of the conflict.

An official plane transferred this Wednesday several officials and relatives who requested to leave the country, after the formal authorization issued by the State Department. The decision comes after the start of an “authorized departure” operation, which allows personnel to leave Israel with the costs covered by the US government. The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, confirmed via social media that additional flights and the use of private vessels are already being prepared to facilitate the departure of American citizens in the face of the worsening conflict. The evacuation occurs while uncertainty persists about the degree of involvement that the United States will have in military operations. While the Trump administration has not formalized its direct participation, recent reports indicate that US forces in the region have already assisted in the interception of Iranian missiles, with advanced technology and military resources such as Navy destroyers. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly thanked Trump for his support, calling him a “great friend of Israel.” In a televised address, the Israeli leader highlighted Washington’s role in the country’s air defense and reiterated that his government continues to attack strategic Iranian targets, including nuclear and military facilities. He acknowledged, however, that the operations have left “painful losses” for the Israeli forces. Since the beginning of the cross-attacks last Friday (when Israel launched a massive air offensive that generated the immediate reaction from Iran with missiles and drones) the escalation has awakened global fears of a regional war with unpredictable consequences.

You can read: Nilson Abreu calls to “unmask” the blood business and remove obstacles for donors

Trump, for his part, has intensified his rhetoric in recent days, demanding the “unconditional surrender” of Iran, although this Wednesday he qualified his position by stating that he has not yet made a definitive decision on a direct intervention of US troops. The situation is still developing, while diplomatic staff and hundreds of Americans in Israel await new announcements regarding possible evacuations and security measures.

Source: Agencies