Cruz urges Texans stuck in Israel to follow State Department's instructions for departure

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) has advised Texans stuck in Israel amid the West Asian nation’s war with Palestinian militant group Hamas to visit his website and follow a list of steps in relation to departing for safer, friendlier countries.

“In the wake of Hamas’s initiation of war against Israel, the U.S. State Department is currently planning departure assistance for American citizens stuck in Israel,” the junior senator’s website said.

Cruz urged Texans seeking to flee Israel to complete the U.S. State Department’s Crisis Intake Form, which can be accessed at https://cacms.state.gov/s/crisis-intake, as well as call the American Embassy in Israel at either (833-890-9595, (606) 641-0131, or local number (03) 519-7426.

Per the website, the State Department will email those who’ve submitted a Crisis Intake Form with a set of additional instructions.

Cruz’s office stresses that the email requires a response in order for the State Department to further provide departure assistance.

In addition, stranded Texans are instructed to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step/ and stay up to date on developments in the war at the U.S. Embassy in Israel website, or https://il.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/security-and-travel-information/.

The State Department said in a press release that beginning Oct. 13, it’ll charter flights for U.S. citizens and their immediate family members who haven’t been successful in booking a commercial flight out of Israel.

“From these locations, individuals will be able to make their own onward travel arrangements to the destination of their choice,” the release said.