US will soon be able to move thousands of Americans out of Israel by sea, sources say
The U.S. will soon have the capability to move thousands of American citizens and their families out of Israel by sea, two sources familiar with the planning told ABC News.
Those fleeing by sea will be taken to Cyprus aboard a cruise ship-like vessel set to depart from the northern Israeli port city of Haifa on Monday, the sources said.
Boarding is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. local time on Monday, according to the U.S. State Department. Boarding will proceed in order of arrival as capacity permits.
Flight departures out of Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport will also continue "on a rolling basis" on Monday and Tuesday, according to the State Department.
"Please go to Ben Gurion International Airport, Terminal 3, if you wish to depart Israel," the State Department instructed travelers in an advisory on Sunday. "U.S. Embassy personnel will be present to direct you and provide specific flight information. Be prepared to wait."
-ABC News' Mary Alice Parks and Shannon Crawford