White House permits US charter flights from Israel.
The United States to Charter Flights out of Israel Amid Hamas Attacks
The White House announced on Oct. 12 that the United States will be chartering flights out of Israel in response to the ongoing attacks by the terrorist group Hamas.
“We are all acutely aware of the limited availability right now on commercial flights out of Israel and the demand signal of U.S. citizens who may want to depart. The president has asked his team to ensure we are assisting U.S. citizens who do want to leave Israel in providing them with a safe means of doing that,” said National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby during a press briefing.
“We’re also exploring other options to expand the capacity of doing this, including exploring whether it’s possible to help Americans leave by land and by sea,” he continued.
The flights, scheduled to begin on Oct. 13, will not be direct flights to the United States. Instead, passengers will fly to European destinations from where they can continue their journey to the United States.
On Oct. 10, the State Department stated that the Biden administration is working to facilitate flights for Americans seeking to leave Israel.
“We have been in contact with a number of American citizens in Israel. There are a number… who are longtime residents of Israel, some of whom are dual citizens, some of them who moved there,” explained State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller during a press briefing.
“And then there are Americans who were there… either visiting for business, or for tourism or something else, and have been in contact with a number of Americans through our embassy there,” he continued.
“Some of whom we have helped facilitate travel to depart the country.
“The airport is still open. There are flights that are getting out of the airport in Tel Aviv. And so we encourage people to try to avail themselves of those options.
“We have also been in conversation with various carriers to encourage them to consider resuming travel in and out of Israel and will continue to do that.”
Several airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, Ryanair, and British Airways, have suspended flights to and from Israel due to the ongoing conflict, which has seen Hamas launching rockets, some of which have targeted Ben Gurion International Airport.
“We understand that there are a number of American citizens who want to leave Israel and that currently, it may be that there aren’t enough available flights because some carriers have suspended travel,” Mr. Miller responded to a question about stranded citizens in Israel.
“As I said, we have been in discussions with carriers urging them to consider whether they want to resume travel.
“There are still flights that are making it out of Israel, some El Al flights, other flights operated by carriers in the region,” he added, referring to Israel’s national airline.
“And so we would encourage you as citizens to try to take advantage of those flights or other routes out. And if they do contact the embassy, we will seek to facilitate travel with any information that we have that can be helpful.”
U.S. citizens looking to leave Israel should contact the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem at 1-833-890-9595 or 1-606-641-0131.
Since the conflict began on Oct. 7, at least 2,500 people, including 27 U.S. citizens, have lost their lives.
In addition to chartering flights, what other options is the Biden administration exploring to assist Americans in leaving Israel?
Re other American citizens who may be visiting on vacation or for other reasons, and we’re engaging with all of those populations… to ensure that they have the information that they need about the situation and about how to stay safe,” he added.
The decision to charter flights out of Israel comes as the attacks by Hamas on Israeli cities have escalated in recent weeks. Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, has been launching rockets and missiles at civilian areas in Israel, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
The Biden administration has expressed its support for Israel’s right to defend itself against these attacks and has condemned Hamas for its actions. In addition, the United States has been working with international partners to de-escalate the situation and bring an end to the violence.
Chartering flights is one way for the United States to assist its citizens who may be in Israel and want to leave due to the ongoing conflict. By providing alternate routes for travel, the U.S. government ensures the safety and well-being of its citizens while also alleviating the strain on commercial flights out of Israel.
In addition to chartering flights, the Biden administration is exploring other options to expand the capacity for Americans to leave Israel. This includes the possibility of helping Americans depart by land and by sea. These efforts demonstrate the commitment of the United States to the safety and security of its citizens.
The charter flights out of Israel will provide U.S. citizens with a safe means of leaving the country and returning to their homes in the United States. This is a crucial step in ensuring the well-being of American citizens who may have been affected by the ongoing conflict.
As the situation in Israel and the region remains volatile, the United States will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide necessary assistance and support to its citizens. The charter flights are just one part of the broader efforts to address the ongoing conflict and promote peace and stability in the region.
By chartering flights and exploring other options for departure, the United States demonstrates its commitment to the safety and security of its citizens in times of crisis. The ongoing attacks by Hamas have created a challenging environment for travelers, and the U.S. government’s efforts to assist its citizens in leaving Israel underscore the importance of protecting the well-being of Americans abroad.
As the charter flights begin on Oct. 13, U.S. citizens in Israel will have the opportunity to depart and return to the United States. This will provide them with the necessary support and resources they need during this difficult time.
The charter flights out of Israel are a testament to the strong alliance between the United States and Israel. The U.S. government’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens reflects the shared values and interests of both nations.
As the situation in Israel continues to evolve, the United States will remain actively engaged and work collaboratively with its international partners to address the ongoing conflict and promote lasting peace in the region.
Overall, the charter flights out of Israel serve as a tangible example of the United States’ commitment to the safety and security of its citizens. By providing alternate travel options and assistance during times of crisis, the U.S. government demonstrates its unwavering support for its citizens both at home and abroad.
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