American citizens across the Middle East are attempting
to follow official advice and evacuate as conflict escalates
in the region following US and Israeli attacks on Iran.
But multiple US embassies have said
they are unable to help citizens trying to leave.
"The US Embassy is not in a position at this time to evacuate
or directly assist Americans in departing Israel,"
the US Embassy in Jerusalem said in a post on X on Tuesday.
The embassy shared that the Israeli Ministry of Tourism
was operating shuttles to a border crossing
between Egypt and Israel at the town of Taba.
"If you choose to avail yourself of this option to depart,
the US government cannot guarantee your safety," said the US embassy,
adding that they were sharing the information
"as a courtesy to those wishing to leave Israel."
President Donald Trump was asked in the Oval Office on Tuesday
why evacuations hadn't been planned beforehand,
and whether he would charter planes to evacuate Americans from the region.
Trump largely didn't address the question,
other than to note how quickly the conflict broke out.
Good to know they are there when you need them!
regards
Titus
