The United States government is not “actively considering” emergency evacuation of US citizens in Israel, a spokesperson for the National Security Council said. President Joe Biden mentioned that Americans would need to arrange their own travel plans to leave the country, and commercial flights and ground options are still available for those who desire to leave. However, Delta Air Lines has canceled all flights to and from Tel Aviv for the rest of the month but expressed willingness to assist with the repatriation of US citizens who want to return home if needed.
In a statement earlier Monday, President Joe Biden said that the State Department is providing consular assistance and updated security alerts to keep Americans apprised of the situation as it evolves. Biden also noted that 11 Americans were among the casualties of the Hamas-incited violence, with an untold number of Americans among the hostages the terrorist group had taken since its siege began early Saturday.
While the US government has organized evacuations in the past, such as evacuating American citizens from Afghanistan during the 2021 withdrawal of troops and from China in 2020 during the early days of the Covid-19 outbreak, the current situation in Israel does not warrant a similar mass evacuation effort.
Commercial options in Israel may become fewer as companies assess the danger of continuing to operate in the region. Delta Air Lines announced the cancellation of all flights to and from Tel Aviv for the rest of the month. However, the airline expressed its commitment to “work with the U.S. government as needed to assist with the repatriation of U.S. citizens who want to return home.” Delta operates flights to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport from Atlanta, Boston, and New York’s JFK.
The situation in Israel remains fluid, and the US government continues to monitor and provide support to its citizens in the region.