U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee announced on Saturday “Operation Exodus” to help American citizens leave Israel, as the Jewish state closed its airspace when the aerial war with Iran began on June 13.
“We can’t part the Red Sea, but are parting the ‘Red Tape’ to help people who wish to leave!” Huckabee tweeted.
He noted that the embassy has “arranged for masses to leave” and was “working around the clock” to help departures.
Huckabee urged U.S. citizens to complete an online form. “Once on the list you will find out options to leave via cruise ship, commercial or charter flight or a few [U.S. government]-operated flights.”
He urged citizens who wish to leave not to turn down an evacuation offer, as it will then go to the next person on the waiting list.
“It could take a few days to get everyone out due to very limited flights and ships and a very high demand,” he stressed.
Huckabee called on U.S. nationals to stay near a bomb shelter in the meantime and enter it whenever a siren warning of incoming projectiles sounds.
On Thursday, the ambassador said that the Trump administration was looking at different ways to get U.S. citizens out of Israel.
“We’re working to get military, commercial, charter flights and cruise ships for evac,” he tweeted.
The State Department announced on Tuesday that it established a Middle East task force, operating 24 hours a day, to help coordinate support for U.S. citizens, diplomatic missions and personnel during the war between Israel and Iran.
Tammy Bruce, the State Department spokeswoman, told reporters that the task force will help U.S. citizens stranded in regional trouble spots receive timely information, including travel advisories and security updates, through a website and hotline.
Hundreds of thousands of U.S. citizens live in Israel, and thousands in Iran.
As of Friday, 6,400 Americans had signed up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive notices about evacuation plans from Israel, Reuters reported.
“Approximately 300-500 U.S. citizens per day would potentially require departure assistance,” an internal department email seen by Reuters read, also dated June 20 and marked “sensitive.”