U.S. State Department Begins Assisted Departure Flights From Israel Since June 21, Evacuating Over 400 Americans Including Lawful Permanent Residents, Says Mike Huckabee

The U.S. Department of State began assisted departure flights from Israel on June 21, 2025, to evacuate American citizens and lawful permanent residents amid escalating conflict involving Israel and Iran. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee announced the initiative, urging eligible individuals in Israel and the West Bank to take advantage of the flights.

Since the operation commenced, seven flights have departed Israel, carrying approximately 250 U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and their immediate family members. Subsequent reports indicate that the total number of Americans and their families evacuated via these assisted flights has exceeded 400. The State Department expressed gratitude to regional and international partners facilitating the departures. In addition to air evacuations, thousands of Americans have reportedly fled Israel overland to neighboring countries such as Jordan, Egypt, and Cyprus, including by cruise ship, as the U.S. government continues to monitor the situation and assist its citizens.