US Embassy in Israel: American Citizens to Travel by Sea to Cyprus

The US Embassy in Israel has suggested that American citizens residing in Israel should travel by sea to Cyprus to expedite their departure. On Sunday, the embassy stated that the United States recommends that American residents in Israel and their relatives travel from Haifa to Cyprus by sea tomorrow, Monday. The statement from the US Embassy indicated that US consular staff would be available to assist and provide information. A spokesperson for the US State Department wrote on social media platform 'X' on Friday that the first group of American citizens has left Israel and is now in Athens. Matthew Miller added, 'American citizens seeking to leave Israel are primarily departing the country via regular commercial flights, but the government is working to expedite the evacuation process using chartered planes and private flights.' He also told CNN that the State Department is monitoring the status of every American citizen who has contacted the department and will assist each of them in exiting Israel in the best possible manner. CNN also reported that since last Saturday, over 20,000 US citizens have contacted the State Department regarding the situation in Israel, but not all of them are actively seeking help to leave the country. According to an aviation source, approximately 32 flights are scheduled for next week to facilitate the departure of Americans from Israel, with most of these flights between Tel Aviv and Athens, and some flights also between Tel Aviv and Sofia, Bulgaria.