US embassy in Jerusalem to close for three days as tensions rise

The US Embassy in Jerusalem will remain closed for the next three days, the State Department said, as speculation grows that the Trump administration may be on the verge of joining Israel’s attack against Iran.The decision includes consular sections in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, the Department said on X. It said there were no announcements to make about “assisting private U.S. citizens to depart at this time,” suggesting that the US doesn’t believe such a step is necessary for now.

Israel, the West Bank and Gaza: Given the security situation and in compliance with Israel Home Front Command guidance, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem will be closed tomorrow (Wednesday, June 18) through Friday (June 20). This includes the Consular Sections in Jerusalem and Tel… pic.twitter.com/7dJRALgmXF

— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) June 17, 2025

“The Department of State is always planning for contingencies to assist with private U.S. citizens’ departure from crisis areas,” according to the statement.
Iran has threatened to attack US bases and other installations in the Middle East if President Donald Trump gets involved in Israel’s attacks on the Islamic Republic, which began last Friday.

Trump met his national security team in Washington on Tuesday and later spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but so far hasn’t publicly announced if he’ll join the Israeli campaign.