US allows non-emergency embassy staff to leave Israel, cites safety risks

The U.S. embassy in Jerusalem announced on Friday it was allowing non-emergency government personnel and family members to leave Israel "due to safety risks," adding that people who wished to leave should do so while flights were still available.

"On February 27, 2026, the Department of State authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of U.S. government personnel from Mission Israel due to safety risks," the embassy said on its website.

"Persons may wish to consider leaving Israel while commercial flights are available," it added.

- China urges citizens in Israel to strengthen preparedness -

China urged its citizens in Israel on Friday to remain highly vigilant and strengthen emergency preparedness, state media reported, as it warned against increasing security risks in the Middle East.

"Chinese citizens in Israel are advised to... strengthen safety precautions and emergency preparedness, avoid going out unless necessary," state broadcaster CCTV said, citing China's embassy there.

Earlier China warned its citizens to evacuate from Iran "as soon as possible", citing a significant rise in external security risks as the country faces threats of U.S. strikes.