U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee announced evacuation flights will be taking place for those wishing to flee Israel. He added that cruise ships will also be standing by

U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee announced evacuation flights and cruise ship departures for those wishing to leave Israel after last week's voluntary evacuation notice.

"Urgent notice! American citizens wanting to leave Israel- US Embassy in Israel @usembassyjlm is working on evacuation flights & cruise ship departures," he wrote in an X post on Wednesday.

"You must enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) (https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step). You will be alerted w/ updates," he added. STEP is recommended for anyone traveling to foreign countries regardless of the risk level, according to the State Department's website.

Last week, the State Department issued a voluntary evacuation order for all non-emergency U.S. government employees stationed in Israel, the West Bank or Gaza.

Family members of diplomatic employees or service members, as well as all non-emergency personnel, were given the option to depart the region "due to the volatile and unpredictable security situation in the region."

The advisory came after Iran bombed Israel in retaliation for Israel's own bombing of Iran last week. Missiles have flown across the Middle East for over a week as both powers attempt to get back at one another.

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"In response to security incidents and without advance notice, the U.S. Embassy may further restrict or prohibit U.S. government employees and their family members from traveling to certain areas of Israel, the Old City of Jerusalem, and the West Bank," the State Department warned.

The advisory cautions U.S. citizens not to travel to Israel due to "armed conflict, terrorism and civil unrest" and not to travel to the West Bank or Gaza due to "terrorism and civil unrest." It notes "continued military presence" in northern Israel within about 2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders.

"Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza," the travel advisory emphasizes. "Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities."

"The security environment is complex and can change quickly, and violence can occur in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza without warning," it continues. "Increased regional tensions can cause airlines to cancel and/or curtail flights into and out of Israel."

Those who decide to travel to the aforementioned areas are being asked to visit the State Department's "Travel to High-Risk Areas" page and to check the most recent alerts from the Embassy website.

"Maintain a high degree of situational awareness and exercise caution at all times, especially at checkpoints and other areas with a significant presence of security forces," the advisory reads.

"Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials. Beware of and report suspicious activities, including unattended items, to local police," it implores. It also recommends heading to the nearest bomb shelter or hardened shelter and following alerts for rocket and missile attacks as well as armed UAV intrusions.

"When traveling in rural areas, exercise caution given the possibility of unexploded ordnance," it adds. "Do not touch or collect debris from rocket, missile, or UAV interceptions."