US Embassy in Israel orders staff and families to shelter as Iranian strikes kill at least 10 and prompt urgent evacuation warnings.

US Embassy Directs Staff to Shelter as Tensions Escalate

The United States Embassy in Jerusalem has instructed all American government employees and their families in Israel to remain indoors, following a series of missile and drone strikes launched by Iran against the country. The embassy’s alert, first issued Saturday and reiterated on Sunday, comes as the ongoing conflict has resulted in at least 10 deaths and more than 180 injuries among Israelis.

The security message, posted on both the embassy’s website and X, explained, “As a result of the current security situation and ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, the U.S. Embassy has directed that all U.S. government employees and their family members continue to shelter in place until further notice.” Additionally, those living near the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv have been offered the option to relocate further away from possible targets.

Amid the violence, Israeli airspace remained closed to all arrivals and departures, according to an Airports Authority spokesperson. Iran’s strikes came as retaliation for Israeli military actions targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites—measures Israeli officials described as preemptive, aimed at stopping Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions.

Israel Issues Civilian Warnings as Conflict Intensifies

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strikes, posting on X, “We had information that this unscrupulous regime was planning to give the nuclear weapons that they would develop to their terrorist proxies. That’s nuclear terrorism on steroids. That would threaten the entire world.”

In an unprecedented move, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a warning in Farsi to Iranian civilians: “All individuals currently or soon to be present in or around military weapons production factories and their supporting institutions must immediately evacuate these areas and not return until further notice. Your presence near these facilities puts your life at risk.”

The IDF contrasted their approach with that of Iran, which they accused of striking civilian areas. “While Iran chooses to strike without warning, we choose to warn innocent people even if it means giving up the element of surprise. We warn them, in Persian, across many channels. Because human life comes first to us. That’s the difference between us and our enemy,” the IDF stated Sunday.

As the crisis continues to unfold, the US and Israeli governments remain on high alert, with the safety of citizens and diplomatic personnel at the forefront. The escalation raises significant concerns about further conflict and the safety of civilians on both sides.