American ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee described what he believes is the “best option” for Americans seeking to flee Israel amid ongoing unrest in the Middle East.
Huckabee said overnight, “We are receiving many requests regarding evacuation from Israel from American citizens who are currently in Israel or who have family here,” and that there are “very limited” options available.
“As of now, your best bet is to use the Israeli Ministry of Tourism shuttle bus to Taba, Egypt and take flights from there or continue to Cairo for flights back to the US,” Huckabee said on X. “I’m not sure when Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv will reopen. Hopefully soon, but even if so, there will be VERY limited priority flights for those who already had a ticket from El Al. It is doubtful whether other airlines will fly in/out for a while.”
“The Ministry of Tourism operates buses to Taba. That border crossing is further away, but is open 24/7. There are some flights from Taba, but there are also options to go to Cairo, and it runs normally, except to countries in the Middle East. To get out, this is the best option for now,” Huckabee added.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, left, and aid workers at the scene of an Iranian missile attack on a residential building in Tel Aviv, Israel, on March 1, 2026. (Alex Brandon/Pool/AFP via Getty Images; Ronen Zvulun/TPX Images of the Day/Reuters)
Huckabee also said he is not recommending that Americans depart through Jordan at this time because “flights are inconsistent and access over the Allenby crossing has limited hours.”
“All our staff from [the] embassy shelter in placebut I realize you may need to get people home and not continue with hotel charges,” the ambassador wrote.
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People take shelter in a parking lot in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Sunday, March 1, 2026, after Iran launched missile strikes following attacks by the US and Israel on Saturday. (Ronen Zvulun/Reuters)
US Embassy Jerusalem said in a statement early Tuesday morning that it is “not in a position at this time to evacuate or directly assist Americans with their departure from Israel.” It also mentioned Israeli Ministry of Tourism buses to Taba.
“To be added to the passenger list for a shuttle, you must register via the ministry’s evacuation form,” the ministry said.
An Israeli firefighter works to extinguish a fire in Tel Aviv after Iran launched missiles at Israel on Saturday, February 28, 2026. (Tomer Appelbaum/Reuters)
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“The US Embassy cannot make any recommendation (for or against) the Ministry of Tourism shuttle. If you choose to use this option to depart, the US government cannot guarantee your safety,” it added.
