Amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has announced that the U.S. is exploring options to help Americans evacuate if they wish.

Huckabee advised American citizens in Israel who want to leave to register at https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step. He stated that the U.S. is working on securing military, commercial, charter flights, and cruise ships for evacuation. He urged those offered a seat to take it and advised families in Israel to stay close to shelters and heed siren warnings.

The U.S. Embassy in Israel, in a June 19 notice, also directed all U.S. government employees and their families to continue sheltering in place.

The embassy stated that it would notify U.S. citizens if more information about departure options becomes available. U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents in Israel or the West Bank seeking U.S. government assistance to depart are asked to complete a form at https://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake so the State Department can provide assistance and updates.

The notice clarified that while the U.S. government would expect repayment for any assistance provided to Americans leaving Israel, payment would not be required upfront.

The notice further explained that any U.S. government assistance would likely involve travel to a nearby, safe country, with onward travel to the United States being the individual’s responsibility. Consular officers would be available to provide consular services upon arrival, including potential loans for repatriation.

The notice reiterated that travelers wouldn’t need to pay before boarding U.S. government-provided transport but would be required to sign a promissory note for repayment. It also noted that pets would not be allowed to accompany travelers. The estimated amount to be repaid would be communicated before travel.

Another security alert stated that the Department of State continuously plans for contingencies to aid private U.S. citizens’ departure from crisis areas and will update the U.S. citizen community with any new information. U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive updates.

President has not dismissed the possibility of American military intervention to assist Israel in countering Iranian nuclear ambitions.

He declared in a Monday that “AMERICA FIRST means many GREAT things, including the fact that, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!”