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3. Huckabee Authorizes Embassy Staff to Leave Israel “Today” as U.S. Deploys USS Gerald Ford

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee instructed American embassy staff on Friday that anyone wishing to leave Israel should do so “TODAY,” according to a report by The New York Times.

The message warned that the embassy’s call for non-emergency personnel to leave would “likely result in high demand for airline seats,” advising employees to secure travel out of the country as quickly as possible. “Focus on getting a seat to anyplace from which you can then continue travel to DC, but the first priority will be getting expeditiously out of country,” Huckabee wrote, according to the report. 

The U.S. State Department also authorized on Friday a travel advisory to avoid northern Israel within a 4 km radius of the Lebanese border due to the ongoing tensions. 

The directive comes amid heightened regional tensions and signals growing concern within U.S. diplomatic channels.

U.S. Deploys USS Gerald R. Ford

Separately, Reuters reported that the U.S. has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford to waters off Israel following direct orders from U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Gerald R. Ford, the most advanced aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy, carries more than 90 fighter jets and serves as a mobile strike platform capable of launching sustained operations deep into adversary territory. The deployment is reportedly supported by a large contingent of aerial refueling aircraft, enhancing the carrier group’s long-range operational capacity.

A U.S. defense official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, described the move as a “nuclear deterrence signal” aimed at reassuring American allies and projecting military strength across the eastern Mediterranean.

Diplomatic talks continue

The developments unfold against the backdrop of critical nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran that took place in Geneva on Thursday. Diplomatic talks, mediated by Oman, focused on Tehran’s nuclear program, with both sides reporting significant progress on some issues and agreeing to continue discussions at a technical level next week in Vienna.

Iranian officials expressed cautious optimism about moving closer to an agreement, though key differences remain over enrichment rights that have so far prevented a conclusive deal.