U.S. Ambassador Tells Embassy Staff in Jerusalem They Can Leave Israel, Urges Quick Departure

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told embassy staff in Jerusalem on Friday they could leave the country if they want to—but urged those choosing to go to do it quickly.

An email from Huckabee, seen by NBC News, instructed staff who wish to leave to "do so today." The ambassador said the guidance came out of "an abundance of caution" after meetings with the State Department.

"For those desiring to leave, it's important to make plans to depart sooner rather than later," the message read.

The directive comes amid a massive military buildup in the region and a possible U.S. attack on Iran. Huckabee sent the message one day after the latest round of talks between the U.S. and Iran about Iran's nuclear program ended without a breakthrough.