Via abcnews.go.com
US Embassy in Jerusalem tells Americans to consider leaving Israel as Iran conflict escalates
The State Department is organizing bus routes to Jordan as commercial flight capacity out of Ben Gurion Airport hits severe limits amid the 2026 Iran war.
The US Embassy in Jerusalem has issued a series of security alerts urging American citizens in Israel to seriously consider their departure options. The reason is about as straightforward as geopolitical warnings get: the ongoing military conflict with Iran has made the region increasingly dangerous, and getting out is getting harder by the day.
The embassy published alerts on March 22, 23, and 25, each escalating in urgency. Wide-body flights out of Ben Gurion Airport are now capped at just 130 passengers per aircraft, a restriction that effectively creates a bottleneck for anyone trying to leave through conventional commercial aviation.
The exit plan: buses to Jordan
The US State Department has arranged bus services running from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to Amman, Jordan, starting March 23. From there, travelers can access Jordan’s international airport for onward flights.
Americans taking this route need to be prepared for additional costs and logistics. A visa on arrival at the Jordanian border runs $60, and travelers are responsible for arranging their own onward travel once they reach Amman.
The embassy had already authorized the departure of non-emergency staff and their families in late February 2026, a step that typically precedes broader civilian evacuation advisories.
The conflict behind the warnings
The security deterioration traces back to February 28, 2026, when joint US-Israeli airstrikes targeted Iranian military installations. That operation marked the opening chapter of what has become the 2026 Iran war, a conflict that has rapidly escalated regional tensions across the Middle East.
Iran and its network of allied groups have responded with threats that the embassy’s communications describe in broad but urgent terms. The alerts emphasize staying vigilant and seeking shelter if necessary.
The embassy’s communications have focused entirely on physical safety. There’s no mention of economic disruptions, financial market impacts, or digital asset considerations in any of the official alerts. The message is simple: assess your situation and consider leaving.