US Embassy Authorizes Staff Departure From Israel as Iran Rejects Zero Enrichment

The U.S. embassy in Jerusalem authorized the voluntary departure of non-emergency personnel and their families on Friday, telling staff that anyone who wishes to leave Israel should do so "TODAY" as President Donald Trump weighs military action against Iran.

"There is no need to panic," U.S. ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee wrote in an email to staff Friday according to a New York Times report. "But for those desiring to leave, it’s important to make plans to depart sooner rather than later."

"Those wishing to leave should do so TODAY," he said, adding that the priority should be finding a flight out of Israel "from which you can then continue travel to D.C."

The State Department also updated its travel advisory, urging Americans to "reconsider travel" to Israel and the West Bank because of terrorism and civil unrest. The department also warned against all travel to Gaza and areas near the Lebanese and Syrian borders. The United States issued a similar travel advisory before last summer’s Operation Midnight Hammer, telling diplomats to remain in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, or Beersheba.

The move comes as Iranian officials on Thursday rejected U.S. demands for zero uranium enrichment, dismantling of nuclear facilities, and permanent transfer of enriched stockpiles.

"Our proposal affirms that uranium enrichment is a sovereign right and proposes a temporary freeze on enrichment for a limited period," an Iranian official told Al Jazeera. "The principle of zero uranium enrichment forever, dismantling of nuclear facilities and the transfer of uranium stockpiles is completely rejected."

Tehran’s position flatly contradicts the Trump administration’s proposal, which calls for Iran to shutter its nuclear infrastructure, transfer enriched uranium out of the country, and halt enrichment permanently. Trump has also said that an acceptable deal would include "no nuclear weapons, no missiles."

The negotiations continue amid the buildup of a massive U.S. "armada" in the Middle East. American F-35 fighter jets will soon join two aircraft carriers in the largest regional presence since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Trump said during Tuesday night’s State of the Union address that he "will never allow the world’s number one sponsor of terror, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon."

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