UK Temporarily Withdraws Embassy Staff Families from Israel Amid Iran Tensions
The United Kingdom has temporarily withdrawn the family members of its diplomatic staff from Israel, citing rising security concerns as hostilities between Iran and Israel intensify.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) confirmed that the dependents of personnel stationed at the British Embassy in Tel Aviv and the consulate in Jerusalem have been evacuated as a “precautionary measure.”
“Family members of staff at our Embassy in Tel Aviv and Consulate General in Jerusalem have been temporarily withdrawn due to the evolving security situation,” the statement read. “Our missions remain operational and staffed by core personnel.”
The move comes amid a dangerous escalation in the Middle East, following a series of military strikes exchanged between Iran and Israel over the past week.
The regional conflict has stoked fears of a broader war, drawing concern from Western allies and prompting contingency planning by several governments.
The U.S., Canada, and Germany have also reviewed the status of their diplomatic presence in the region in recent days, with some limiting non-essential staff and tightening security protocols.
The UK government has reiterated calls for restraint on all sides. Foreign Secretary David Lammy recently urged both Tehran and Jerusalem to de-escalate, emphasizing the risk of a wider regional crisis and calling for renewed diplomatic channels.
Travel advisories for British nationals visiting Israel and the Palestinian Territories remain at heightened alert, with the FCDO warning against all but essential travel to several areas, including parts of northern Israel and the vicinity of Gaza.
