Ambassador’s Emergency Order — What’s Behind It?

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee sent an urgent directive ordering embassy staff to evacuate “TODAY,” signaling a dramatic escalation in regional tensions just days after his controversial statements roiled Middle Eastern diplomatic relations.

Story Snapshot

Ambassador Huckabee issued urgent evacuation order on February 28, 2026, telling staff to leave Israel immediately
Directive came just two days after Huckabee’s inflammatory Tucker Carlson interview sparked regional backlash
New York Times verified the email through three independent sources, confirming its authenticity
Evacuation order occurs amid U.S. military buildup putting America on collision course with Iran
Huckabee’s hardline positions on Israeli-Palestinian issues add political complexity to security concerns

Urgent Departure Directive Issued to Embassy Personnel

Ambassador Mike Huckabee sent an email to U.S. embassy staff in Israel at 10:24 a.m. local time on February 28, 2026, instructing personnel that if they wished to leave Israel, they must do so immediately. The directive emphasized expedited departure and warned of high demand for airline seats, with priority given to getting personnel out of the country. Huckabee’s message instructed staff to prioritize getting “expeditiously out of country” with flexibility on destination, provided they could continue travel to Washington, D.C. The New York Times verified the email’s authenticity through three independent sources.

Controversial Statements Precede Security Concerns

The evacuation order came just two days after Huckabee’s February 26 interview with Tucker Carlson, which generated significant controversy throughout the region. Regional analysts characterized his statements as evidence that their “very low expectations for the Trump administration were not quite low enough.” Huckabee, a former Republican governor and evangelical minister nominated by President Trump, has publicly stated there is no such thing as Palestinians and insists the Occupied Palestinian West Bank should be called “Judea and Samaria” rather than its internationally recognized designation. The timing suggests a direct connection between his inflammatory public positions and deteriorating security conditions.

Ambassador’s Hardline Positions Reflect Evangelical Constituency

Huckabee’s appointment represents a particular evangelical constituency within the Republican Party that has historically formed the foundation of GOP support for Israel. His nomination set a distinctive tone for U.S.-Israel relations under the second Trump administration, one that prioritizes unwavering support for Israeli territorial claims over traditional diplomatic frameworks. This approach, while appealing to a core conservative base that values standing with our allies, raises legitimate questions about whether such uncompromising rhetoric serves America’s broader strategic interests in a volatile region where balanced diplomacy has traditionally protected both American personnel and national security objectives.

Regional Tensions Escalate Amid Military Buildup

The evacuation directive occurs amid an American military buildup in the region that is putting the U.S. on a collision course with Iran. The situation reflects deteriorating security conditions that require immediate action to protect American diplomatic personnel and their families. Normal embassy operations and diplomatic functions face significant disruption, potentially signaling imminent security threats or regional escalation. The reduced U.S. diplomatic presence during this critical period raises concerns about America’s ability to coordinate effectively with Israeli partners and maintain credible influence among regional actors. For Americans who remember the vulnerabilities exposed during the Biden administration’s chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal, this evacuation highlights the ongoing challenges of protecting our people in hostile environments.

The exact cause of the evacuation directive remains unclear, with no official statements from the State Department or Trump administration providing specific details about triggering security threats or incidents. While Huckabee’s controversial statements appear connected to the timing, the absence of transparent communication leaves American citizens and regional allies uncertain about the full scope of dangers facing U.S. personnel. This lack of clarity underscores the need for the Trump administration to balance principled support for Israel with responsible risk management that protects American lives and maintains our nation’s credibility in Middle Eastern diplomacy without compromising our constitutional commitment to transparency and accountability.