The White House National Security Council has announced that the U.S. will begin arranging charter flights for Americans wishing to leave Israel, nearly a week after the terrorist organization Hamas slaughtered hundreds of innocent Israelis.
Biden Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer advises Americans who want to leave Israel to take "commercial flights" — even as all American carriers and most international carriers have suspended flights at Ben Gurion Airport pic.twitter.com/FwgJx31gxF
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) October 11, 2023
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby mentioned that there is limited availability on commercial flights out of Israel and that the U.S. government wants to ensure a safe means of transportation for US citizens.
The U.S. government will arrange charter flights from Israel to locations in Europe.
Kirby said that the details are still being worked out, and the flights are intended to assist U.S. citizens and their immediate family members who may have had difficulty securing commercial transportation.
"There are still many viable options for Americans who may want to leave Israel — the airport is still open," says top Biden spokesman John Kirby, even as all U.S. airlines and most others have suspended flights at Israel's main airport. pic.twitter.com/7a1pO7VOfV
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) October 10, 2023
In addition to charter flights, the U.S. government is exploring other options to expand evacuation capacity, including potentially assisting Americans in leaving by land or sea.
Kirby stated that the decision to arrange charter flights is based on the evolving situation and the alleged desires of American citizens in Israel. It’s part of an effort to assist those who wish to leave and ensure their safety.
As of Kirby’s announcement, 27 Americans have been confirmed killed in the Israel-Hamas conflict, with 14 others unaccounted for. Efforts to support the families of the victims and those with missing family members will continue, with collaboration with Israeli officials to gather necessary information and context.
