The United States Ambassador to Israel has warned that there are ‘very limited options’ for Americans to evacuate from the country.

Mike Huckabee advised citizens to use a tourist shuttle bus to travel to the Egyptian city of Taba, or carrying on to the capital Cairo to organise a flight to the US.

He advised against US citizens trying to evacuate via Jordan.

He wrote: ‘All of our personnel from embassy are sheltering in place, but I realize you may need to get people out and back home and not continue to incur hotel costs.  I’m adding what we are recommending for now. 

‘Not sure when Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv will reopen. Hopefully soon, but even when it does, there will be VERY limited flights with priorities to those who already were ticketed by El Al. 

‘Doubtful that other airlines will fly in/out for a while. 

‘The Ministry of Tourism is operating buses to Taba. 

‘That crossing is further away but it’s open 24/7. 

‘There are some flights from Taba, but there are also options to get to Cairo and it’s operating normally except to Middle Eastern countries. 

‘To get out, it’s the best option for now. 

‘If not already enrolled in STEP program, do so as you will be emailed updated information from the embassy and State Department.’