140+ US lawmakers urge State Dept. to arrange flights out of Israel amid war.

A Bipartisan Effort to Bring Stranded Americans Home from Israel

A bipartisan group of‍ over 140 members of the House of Representatives is urging‍ the State ‌Department to take immediate action and use all available resources, including chartering⁤ flights, ⁤to assist American citizens stranded in Israel. Led by Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY) ​and Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), the letter to Secretary of State Antony​ Blinken‌ emphasizes the urgency as commercial airlines cancel flights and other countries evacuate their citizens.

“While we appreciate the steps the Biden ⁤administration is taking to provide additional security assistance to ⁤Israel, we urge the ​State Department to use all resources at its disposal, including charter flights, to help those Americans that remain ⁣in Israel and wish to return to the United States,”

Meng‌ and Malliotakis are calling for a swift response from Blinken, emphasizing⁣ that the safe return of American citizens should be a top priority. Meng highlights ⁤the fear and desire ⁢for immediate repatriation among Americans in Israel, stating, “As we support our ally Israel with the necessary security assistance it needs in the coming days and weeks, ⁣we must also do ​everything possible to bring Americans back to the U.S. who are looking to do so. I urge the ⁤State Department to make their safe and‍ swift return a top priority. I await Secretary Blinken’s response to our letter.”

Malliotakis argues that the United States should take a more direct role in evacuating its citizens, citing Poland as ​an example of a country⁢ successfully conducting evacuations. She asserts, “If other countries like Poland ⁤have military planes‍ on the ground ​and conducting evacuations,‍ there’s no reason why the U.S. ‌is not doing the same. We need immediate⁣ action from President Biden, the U.S. Department of State, and Department of Defense to take swift action to get commercial, charter, and military planes on the⁢ ground to get Americans home as quickly as possible.”

Blinken has announced his plans to travel to Israel and engage directly with Israeli partners about the situation on⁣ the ⁤ground. His trip, scheduled from October 11-13, will also include a visit to ‍Jordan.

The conflict between Israel and‌ Hamas has resulted in the declaration of war by Israel for the first time since 1973. According to the Associated Press, the attacks by Hamas have claimed the lives of at least 1,800 people in Israel and Gaza. President Biden confirmed that among the casualties are at least 14 Americans.

Click here to ⁣read‌ more from The Washington Examiner.

How ⁤will the State Department utilize⁣ chartering flights to ‍facilitate the safe return of stranded Americans in Israel?

Rtment to prioritize the safety and well-being​ of American ‌citizens currently stranded in the country,” the letter states. “These individuals are in need of immediate⁣ assistance, and we ⁤must do everything in our power to bring them home safely.”

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has created a dire situation for Americans visiting or living ⁢in Israel. ​Many commercial airlines ‌have suspended their flights to and from Israel due to the security risks, leaving American citizens stranded without a way to return⁤ home. With the situation on the ground ⁢escalating rapidly, it is imperative that the State Department takes swift action to⁣ bring these individuals back to the United States.

The bipartisan effort‌ led by Reps. Meng and Malliotakis highlights the need for immediate action from the State⁤ Department. It is an encouraging sign to see lawmakers from both sides of the aisle coming⁤ together to address this issue and prioritize the safety of American citizens. In a time when bipartisanship​ seems increasingly rare, it is heartening to witness political leaders uniting for a common cause.

The letter specifically ⁢calls on the State Department to use all available resources, including chartering flights, to facilitate the safe return of stranded Americans. With commercial⁣ airlines canceling their flights, chartering is one of the most effective ways to ensure the timely evacuation of American citizens. By providing this option, the ⁣State Department can alleviate the distress and anxiety experienced by those stranded in Israel.

Moreover, the letter stresses‍ the urgency of the situation. As other countries have already begun evacuating their citizens, Americans cannot⁤ afford any delay in their repatriation efforts. Time is of the essence, and the State Department must act swiftly to bring stranded Americans home​ to their families ‌and loved ones.

It is important to note the significance of bipartisan support behind this effort. The ‌unity among lawmakers sends a powerful​ message of solidarity and commitment to ⁤protecting American citizens, regardless of⁤ political affiliation. In times of crisis, it is crucial that our elected ⁤officials set aside partisan differences and work together​ to resolve⁢ pressing issues and safeguard American lives.

As⁣ the situation in Israel continues to evolve, the need for immediate action becomes ever more urgent. The State Department must take heed of the bipartisan call and utilize all​ available resources to‍ bring stranded Americans home safely. The lives ‌and well-being of American citizens are at stake, and it is the responsibility of our government to ensure their ‌safe return. Now is the time for swift and decisive action, and we look to the State Department to implement the necessary steps to bring our fellow Americans back home.

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