Fact Check: No plans to assist US citizens leaving Israel at this time.

Fact Check: "No plans to assist US citizens leaving Israel at this time."

What We Know

The claim that there are "no plans to assist US citizens leaving Israel at this time" is contradicted by recent announcements from the U.S. Department of State. As of October 14, 2023, the Department has stated that it is actively facilitating transportation for U.S. citizens to leave Israel by air or sea. This assistance began on October 13, 2023, with the introduction of a crisis intake form for U.S. citizens seeking to depart (Security Alert #8). The U.S. government is arranging chartered flights for those who cannot secure commercial transit (Guidance for Americans in Israel and Gaza - Tammy Baldwin).

Additionally, U.S. officials are working around the clock to assist citizens, indicating a clear plan to provide support for their departure (State Dept to Pursue Chartered Flights for Americans Leaving Israel). The situation remains complex due to ongoing military conflict, but the U.S. government is making efforts to facilitate safe departures (Security Alert #8).

Analysis

The evidence from multiple credible sources indicates that the U.S. government has indeed initiated plans to assist its citizens in leaving Israel. The announcement from the Department of State, which is a primary source of information regarding U.S. citizens abroad, explicitly states that they are providing departure assistance and have begun chartering flights for those in need (Security Alert #8). This contradicts the claim that there are no plans for assistance.

Moreover, the involvement of U.S. Senators and Congress members, such as Tammy Baldwin and Ayanna Pressley, further underscores the government’s commitment to assist citizens. They have publicly supported the State Department's actions and provided additional resources for citizens seeking help (Guidance for Americans in Israel and Gaza - Tammy Baldwin, State Dept to Pursue Chartered Flights for Americans Leaving Israel).

The reliability of these sources is high, as they come from official government communications and statements from elected officials. There is no indication of bias in these reports; rather, they reflect a coordinated effort to ensure the safety of U.S. citizens in a volatile situation.

Conclusion

The claim that there are "no plans to assist US citizens leaving Israel at this time" is False. The U.S. government has actively initiated plans to assist its citizens in departing Israel, including chartered flights and ongoing support from embassy officials. The evidence clearly shows that assistance is being organized and provided, contrary to the claim.

Sources

1. Security Alert #8: Updated Travel Advisory October 14, 2023
2. Guidance for Americans in Israel and Gaza - Tammy Baldwin
3. State Dept to Pursue Chartered Flights for Americans Leaving Israel ...
4. U.S. Citizens in Need of Assistance in Israel
5. Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza Travel Advisory
6. Sen. Ossoff Shares Guidance on Evacuation Assistance for Americans in ...
7. Help for My Constituents in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza
8. Security Alert #9 - U.S. Embassy in Israel