Rubio to visit Israel amid rising Iran tensions

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to travel to Israel next week as the US Embassy authorizes non-essential staff to depart due to safety concerns tied to potential regional escalation involving Iran.

The embassy advised Americans to consider leaving while commercial flights remain available and restricted travel to certain areas, including the Old City of Jerusalem and the West Bank. Earlier this week, non-essential personnel were also withdrawn from the US Embassy in Beirut.

The White House is weighing military options regarding Iran, less than a year after President Donald Trump authorized airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. While Trump says he prefers diplomacy, lawmakers are debating limits on unilateral military action.